The Boston Red Sox have been active in the trade market this offseason, acquiring Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo already. However, another ace is seemingly available, and the Red Sox may line up well for a trade.
Freddy Peralta’s $8 million club option for next season was picked up by the Milwaukee Brewers, but he is at the point in his career where the Brewers may consider trading him.
He is one season away from free agency, and the Brewers may already know they cannot afford him. As a result, rumors of them trading him, just as they did with Corbin Burnes, Josh Hader and Devin Williams, have grown.
The Brewers made the National League Championship Series last season and are getting all of their key players back. However, they could use some more slug on their team. The Brewers just traded Isaac Collins to the Kansas City Royals, and could be interested in upgrading their outfield. FanSided’s Cody Williams proposed this trade to get Peralta to Boston:
- Red Sox receive: RHP Freddy Peralta
- Brewers receive: OF Jarren Duran, SS Franklin Arias (Red Sox’s No. 1 prospect) and RHP Juan Valera (Red Sox’s No. 12 prospect)
This deal may be an overpay, but that may be what it takes to get Peralta. They are not desperate to trade him, but experts believe they will listen to offers. The Brewers do not necessarily need another outfielder. They have Garrett Mitchell, who they hope can finally stay healthy, which is why they need more reason to make a trade.
The Red Sox have the financial capability to pay Peralta. Dealing Arias would be a major blow, but the Red Sox infield is already crowded, just like the outfield. Duran is a candidate to be dealt anyway, and the Brewers’ trading Collins opens the door for them to take him.
Duran was an All-Star in 2024, but his numbers declined last season. However, he still led the American League in triples and posted a .774 OPS. His OPS in the second half was .818. Despite some decline, his OPS was better than Jackson Chourio and Sal Frelick, who played a majority of the Brewers games in the outfield.
Duran would be a more reliable option than Mitchell, who has played in just 141 games in four years. The Brewers have pitching depth, which is another reason they may be fine with dealing Peralta. However, Duran would improve their outfield from last season as they look to make another deep run.
