The New York Yankees could be looking for starting pitchers near the trade deadline. They could inquire about one of the Milwaukee Brewers' starters if they fall out of contention.
The Brewers are 14-15 to start the year. While it is still early, their offense looks like one that clearly misses Willy Adames. The Chicago Cubs look like the class of the National League Central, and if the Brewers continue to struggle, they could be sellers at the trade deadline. Their slew of injuries in the starting rotation is not helping either.
However, if their season starts to slip away, Freddy Peralta would be a great player for the Yankees to trade for. He signed a five-year, $15 million deal in 2020 and is playing on an $8 million club option this year. He has another $8 million option next season. That value is a steal considering the player he has become.
He has an All-Star selection under his belt, 2021 and could be on his way to another All-Star game this year. Through six starts, he has a 2.43 ERA and 36 strikeouts. He has made 30-plus starts in back-to-back seasons as well.
The Yankees lost Gerrit Cole before the season even started. Luis Gil is still working his way back from injury. Adding Peralta could give them another reliable arm besides Max Fried. Then, when Gil returns, they will have three starters to help get them into and through October. Losing Cole was a big blow, but the Yankees still have not made a real move to try an replace him.
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Additionally, Peralta's contract makes him more than a rental. The Brewers have shown they would rather trade a player too early than lose them in free agency. They traded Josh Hader, Corbin Burnes and Devin Williams before the burden to pay them came. The Brewers are constantly fighting against their payroll and could deal Peralta for young prospects if they don't see a chance to reach the postseason.
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