Yankees pair Brewers' ace with Max Fried, Gerrit Cole in trade proposal

Conor Liguori

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Yankees pair Brewers' ace with Max Fried, Gerrit Cole in trade proposal image

Without Gerrit Cole and over half a season without Luis Gil, the New York Yankees finished tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for the best record in the American League (94-68). 

The Yankees' starting rotation already faces a few problems heading into 2026. Cole will not be ready for Opening Day as he rehabs from Tommy John Surgery, and Carlos Rodon had offseason surgery to remove a bone spur that will delay his season. 

If the Yankees can upgrade the rotation with a trade, general manager Brian Cashman could pounce at the right offer. 

The Athletic's Jim Bowden listed New York as one of the clubs that could swing a trade for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. The 29-year-old will become a free agent next offseason and will earn $8 million in 2026. 

Peralta enjoyed the best year of his career this past season, leading the NL with 17 wins and a 2.70 ERA in 33 starts. He finished fifth in the NL Cy Young voting. 

The trade proposal 

Bowden's Yankees-Brewers trade proposal sees starter Will Warren and shortstop Jose Caballero headed to Milwaukee. 

"Of course, Peralta is a No. 1-type starter, and Warren is more of a mid-rotation arm, but mid-rotation starters with that much team control left can be a valuable part of roster building," wrote Bowden. "Warren has a plus fastball, and the Brewers have a history of getting the most out of their pitching talent." 

Caballero is less likely to be moved than Warren, given he's tabbed as the Yankees' Opening Day shortstop as of today. Anthony Volpe had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. 

Joey Ortiz and Caballero could split time at shortstop for the Brewers, while the Yankees could arguably have the top rotation in baseball when everyone is healthy. 

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Staff Writer