Yankees Need to Make Bold Moves, Starting with a Trade for Freddy Peralta
The New York Yankees find themselves at a crucial juncture this offseason. While their American League East rivals have been aggressively bolstering their rosters, the Yankees have remained comparatively quiet, creating a growing sense of unease among their fanbase. The team has several areas that need addressing – most notably the bullpen and outfield – but their starting rotation also requires significant attention if they hope to compete for a World Series title in the coming season. As the hot stove heats up, the pressure is mounting on General Manager Brian Cashman to make impact moves that signal the organization’s commitment to championship contention.
Among the potential moves being discussed, Alexander Wilson of Empire Sports Media has highlighted a particularly intriguing possibility: a trade for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. This speculation isn’t coming out of nowhere – the Yankees and Brewers established a working relationship last winter when New York sent Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin to Milwaukee in exchange for Devin Williams. This existing “trade pipeline” could facilitate further deals between the organizations. While the Yankees recently re-signed Paul Blackburn to a one-year, $2 million contract to provide pitching depth, Wilson argues that this move “does not move the needle for a team trying to win a World Series.” In his view, Peralta represents the “legitimate frontline hammer” that could address the Yankees’ pitching concerns.
The timing for such a move seems ideal from multiple perspectives. Peralta has emerged as one of baseball’s most effective starting pitchers, combining durability with elite performance. His contract situation makes him particularly attractive – he’s under team control through the 2023 season, giving the Yankees a full year to evaluate him in pinstripes before potentially offering a long-term extension. The Brewers, meanwhile, might be motivated sellers if they’re looking to retool their roster. For a pitcher of Peralta’s caliber, the asking price would surely be steep, but the Yankees possess both the prospect capital and financial resources to make such a deal work, especially considering their recent reluctance to spend at the top of the free agent market for pitching.
The Yankees’ current rotation situation underscores why a move for someone like Peralta makes so much sense. While the team has talented arms, significant question marks surround several key contributors. Gerrit Cole, their undisputed ace, is coming off his own health concerns. Carlos Rodón showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. Clarke Schmidt and Nestor Cortes have demonstrated potential but haven’t proven themselves as reliable top-of-the-rotation options over multiple seasons. Adding Peralta would provide much-needed stability and upside to a rotation filled with uncertainty. His ability to generate swings and misses would play particularly well in the AL East, where powerful lineups demand pitchers who can avoid contact in crucial situations.
Beyond addressing their immediate needs, acquiring Peralta would represent a statement of intent from the Yankees organization. After watching division rivals make significant moves, Yankees fans are growing restless with what they perceive as hesitation from the front office. The Boston Red Sox have been active in free agency, the Tampa Bay Rays continue to develop young talent, and the Baltimore Orioles are emerging as a powerhouse after their breakthrough season. Even the Toronto Blue Jays, despite losing some key contributors, have been aggressive in reshaping their roster. A bold move for Peralta would signal that the Yankees recognize the competitive landscape and are willing to be aggressive to maintain their status as contenders.
The financial aspects also align favorably for such a deal. The Yankees have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to extend players who prove themselves in pinstripes, and Peralta would likely command a substantial but not astronomical contract extension if his Bronx tenure proves successful. With several large contracts coming off the books in coming years, the Yankees would have the financial flexibility to accommodate Peralta long-term. While the initial acquisition cost in prospects might sting, the combination of immediate impact and potential long-term value makes Peralta an ideal target for a Yankees team that needs to balance present competitiveness with future sustainability. As the offseason progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if Cashman and the Yankees front office pursue this or similarly bold moves to strengthen their championship aspirations.
