The Brewers had a season that started off with so much potential—97 wins, setting an MLB record—but it came to a disappointing halt with a significant loss to the Dodgers on Friday.
Now, there’s some uncertainty looming over the team as their star pitcher may consider leaving during the offseason.
Currently, the Brewers are said to be planning to make at least one offer to right-handed starter Freddy Peralta, according to multiple sources.
Peralta, who just turned 29, has one year remaining on his contract that includes an $8 million team option for 2026 before hitting free agency next offseason.
This season, he posted a career-high 2.70 ERA, recorded 204 strikeouts over 176 2/3 innings, and became an All-Star for the second time, securing a league-leading 17 wins.
He’s been consistently throwing at least 165 innings for the past three seasons, showing remarkable durability during that time.
However, the Brewers have been struggling financially, ranking low in payroll—22nd overall this year, according to estimates.
But one can’t help but wonder how Peralta perceives that $8 million for his age-30 season.
Interestingly, Milwaukee’s management recently traded closer Devin Williams to the Yankees, even with one year left on his contract.
Despite having a payroll significantly lower than the Dodgers’ hefty $400 million, the Brewers still reached the NLCS. Yet, in the end, the formidable Dodgers swiftly outmatched Milwaukee.
Peralta described the NLCS loss as “tough,” acknowledging that business factors might play a role in decisions about his final contract year.
He expressed a deep affection for Milwaukee, stating, “I’ve been here forever, and I love it here, I love the city of Milwaukee, I love the team, I love everyone here.” But he also recognized that “at the end of the day, this is a business and we understand that anything can happen.”
