The San Diego Padres have been coming up in trade talks this winter, often, with Nick Pivetta, Jake Cronenworth, Ramon Laureano, and even Mason Miller coming up in rumors.
But one thing that hasn't come to fruition much at all is that the Padres are acting as buyers this winter. They've been linked to trades, but rarely in a scenario where they are acquiring the best MLB-ready talent in the deal.
That's changed with the latest report from Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital. The Padres, according to this report, have emerged as serious contenders to trade for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta.
Padres tabbed as surprise contender for Freddy Peralta
"The Padres have emerged as a strong contender for a trade with the Brewers to acquire star RHP Freddy Peralta," Gomez reports.
While this isn't the final report that suggests the Padres are more than just showing interest in Peralta, this interest alone is noteworthy.
The Padres did re-sign Michael King, and are exploring the free-agent pitching market this winter, but being linked to Peralta, the top pitcher on the market, is a surprise.
Adding someone like Peralta, who's coming off a 2.70 ERA season with an MLB-best 17 wins and a very strong 5.5 bWAR, would be a no-brainer for the Padres. Peralta would be a one-year rental for A.J. Preller and the Padres, but a great one at that.
More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency
It won't come cheap, especially with teams like the New York Mets, New York Yankees, and even Boston Red Sox showing interest.
Though the Padres got some good news when the Red Sox signed Ranger Suarez to a big $130 million deal, which likely takes them out of the market for Peralta, as they no longer need starting pitching.
But, with the Padres' dire need for arms to bolster the rotation, and this report from Gomez linking them to the Brewers as a strong contender for Peralta, this is a potential deal worth paying attention to.
More MLB news:
- Mets know what contract they need to give to sign Cody Bellinger
- Phillies get bad news on Bo Bichette amid unexpected challenge from Alex Bregman Cubs deal
- Red Sox linked to frustrating Alex Bregman replacements after Cubs deal
- Yankees get $160 million contract update on Cody Bellinger amid stare-down
- Dodgers predicted to poach $189M Silver Slugger, All-Star from Phillies to solve aging dilemma
- Mets get Kyle Tucker news in free agency
- Team USA World Baseball Classic roster: Bryce Harper, Tarik Skubal among stars on team for 2026 tournament