Braves predicted to trade former top prospect for Brewers' $15M Cy Young arm, 2-time All-Star

Hunter Cookston

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Braves predicted to trade former top prospect for Brewers' $15M Cy Young arm, 2-time All-Star image

The Atlanta Braves are looking to go all-in on a starting pitcher before the offseason ends. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has previously made it clear that they want someone with playoff experience who can be reliable down the stretch. At the same time, they have to consider the future at the position—after 2026, only two pitchers are currently under contract.

“Beyond Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, there are no clear locks for the Atlanta Braves rotation beyond 2026,’” HTHB’s Chase Owens wrote.

The Braves still have several options on the table, including Framber Valdez and others. Another name to watch is Freddy Peralta, whom the Milwaukee Brewers have put on the trade block. HTHB’s Chase Owens believes the Braves could trade Hurston Waldrep to acquire Peralta.

“Waldrep was the Braves’ first-round pick back in 2023 and was a top prospect in the organization for much of 2024. The beginning of 2025 saw the affinity for Waldrep dip, but that didn’t stop him from working on his craft. A plethora of injuries to Atlanta’s rotation last season caused Waldrep to arrive in the big leagues earlier than the organization may have wanted. However, Waldrep was stellar during his first extended cup of coffee in the majors, creating significant buzz about the pitcher he can develop into,” Owens wrote.

If Waldrep has another season similar to last year, the Brewers will be interested. The good news for Atlanta is that Milwaukee wants a starter in return for their NL wins leader.

“If the Brewers trade ace Freddy Peralta, they want in return a replacement starter they can slot into their rotation in his place, according to The Athletic. Potential suitors like the Mets, Dodgers and Red Sox would seem to have the ability to part with a younger starter of their own in exchange for Peralta,” CBS Sports’ RJ Anderson wrote.

Acquiring Peralta would be a huge boost for the Braves, especially if they can sign him to an extension before the season starts. Trading Waldrep for Peralta would give Atlanta a proven starter with postseason experience while still allowing them to compete for the playoffs immediately.

Atlanta is focused on returning to the postseason, and bringing in Peralta could be the move that gets them there. The only potential downside is if Peralta only stays in Atlanta for one season, but Anthopoulos is unlikely to complete the trade unless he feels confident in the fit.

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