The San Diego Padres didn’t just stumble out of the postseason-they crashed out hard. A disappointing NL Wild Card exit was tough enough, but losing Dylan Cease in free agency this offseason only compounded the pain. Now, with two major blows in the rearview mirror, the pressure is squarely on the front office to make a move-and fast-before the window starts to close on a team that still has the bones of a contender.
One name that’s starting to gain traction as a potential fix? Freddy Peralta.
The Milwaukee Brewers’ All-Star right-hander has reportedly hit the trade block, and for a Padres team desperate to replenish the top of its rotation, Peralta could be the kind of high-upside, high-impact arm that changes the entire equation.
Let’s talk about why this makes sense.
First off, credit where it’s due: San Diego did manage to re-sign Michael King, a move that flew under the radar but could prove pivotal. King was a bright spot last season and projects as a solid No. 2 or No. 3 starter.
But replacing Cease isn’t about filling a rotation spot-it’s about finding a new ace. That’s where Peralta comes in.
Peralta is coming off a monster season: 17 wins, a 2.70 ERA, 204 strikeouts, and a 1.075 WHIP over 176 innings. That’s not just frontline production-that’s Cy Young-caliber stuff.
His ability to miss bats, limit walks, and go deep into games would instantly elevate the Padres’ rotation. Pair him with King and Nick Pivetta, and suddenly you’re looking at a 1-2-3 combo that can go toe-to-toe with just about anyone in the National League.
Of course, there’s a catch. The Padres’ farm system is thin-one of the most depleted in baseball after years of aggressive trades-and the Brewers will have no shortage of suitors for Peralta.
But here’s the thing: GM A.J. Preller has never been afraid to swing big.
He’s built his reputation on bold moves, and this would be no different.
The silver lining? Peralta’s value, while still high, isn’t untouchable.
He’s on an expiring contract, which makes him more attainable than younger, more controllable arms like Hunter Greene or MacKenzie Gore. That opens a door for San Diego, even if it’s just a crack.
And when Preller sees a crack, he tends to kick it wide open.
If the Padres can pull this off, it wouldn’t just plug a hole-it would reset their trajectory. With Peralta at the top of the rotation, they could shift their focus to other needs, whether that’s bullpen depth, outfield help, or shoring up the infield. More importantly, it would give them a fighting chance to keep pace with their biggest obstacle: the Los Angeles Dodgers, who continue to look like a juggernaut with no signs of slowing down.
Time is ticking. If San Diego wants to stay relevant in the NL West and avoid another step backward, a move like this might be their best-and possibly only-shot.