Yankees Eye Freddy Peralta as Rotation Woes Mount Ahead of Midseason Push
The New York Yankees took a major hit before the 2025 season even began. With ace Gerrit Cole undergoing Tommy John surgery and promising arm Luis Gil sidelined by a lat strain until at least mid-July, the rotation is in rough shape. The team has shown little interest in giving Marcus Stroman another chance and has already cut ties with Carlos Carrasco, leaving a glaring need on the mound.
According to Jim Riley of BALLCAP Sports, the Yankees could make a major move to stabilize the rotation by targeting Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers.
“The goal when they brought in Max Fried was to have a dominant lefty-righty combo at the top of the rotation — two aces who could lead a World Series run,” Riley explained. “If we end up facing the Dodgers again in October, we need to match their firepower pitch for pitch. Right now, this rotation doesn’t stack up against a healthy Dodgers squad, so the Yankees have to keep adding. Freddy Peralta could be that difference-maker.”
Peralta, an All-Star in 2021, has been highly effective since becoming a full-time starter that same year, maintaining a 3.40 ERA. He’s on fire again this season, with a 2.55 ERA and a reputation for durability — having made over 30 starts in each of the past two seasons.
Riley also mentioned that the Cleveland Guardians and San Diego Padres could be in the mix for Peralta, but emphasized that New York’s deep farm system might give them an edge in trade talks with Milwaukee.
While Peralta carries an $8 million club option for 2026, he’s expected to command a lucrative long-term deal, potentially around five years, $110 million. For Yankees GM Brian Cashman, the message is clear: if the goal is a serious World Series push, aggressive action — possibly centered around Peralta — will be necessary.
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