The Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t just defending their back-to-back World Series titles-they’re actively redefining what a modern baseball powerhouse looks like. Already loaded with star power, the Dodgers have now added two more major pieces this offseason: elite closer Edwin Díaz and former Cubs standout Kyle Tucker, who inked a jaw-dropping four-year, $240 million deal.
That’s not just a splash-it’s a tidal wave. If L.A. wasn’t the clear favorite to three-peat before, they’ve certainly made their intentions known now.
And the scary part? They might not be done yet.
According to reports, the Dodgers have their eyes on another major move-this time targeting Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. The right-hander has surfaced in trade rumors all winter, largely due to Milwaukee’s track record of moving top talent before it hits free agency.
Peralta has just one year of team control left, and with the Brewers always looking to stay young and cost-efficient, he’s a prime candidate to be dealt. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are reportedly not only interested in trading for him, but possibly locking him in with a long-term extension.
From a Chicago Cubs perspective, the idea of Peralta leaving the NL Central might sound like a win-Milwaukee’s rotation would take a serious hit. Peralta has been a force since 2021, and he’s coming off arguably his best season yet: a 2.70 ERA, 3.64 FIP, and 176 2/3 innings of work. Losing that kind of production would sting for any team, especially one already projected to take a step back in the division.
But here’s the twist: we’ve seen this movie before. The Brewers traded away Corbin Burnes to the Orioles and lost longtime skipper Craig Counsell to the Cubs, and yet they didn’t miss a beat.
Milwaukee still won the division, topping the Cubs’ 92-win season with a franchise-best 97 victories. They’ve built a system that thrives on turnover, consistently developing young arms like Jacob Misiorowski and Chad Patrick, who both impressed in their rookie campaigns.
It’s a frustrating reality for Cubs fans-the Brewers just keep finding ways to stay competitive, no matter who they lose.
That said, a deal between Milwaukee and Los Angeles could be a nightmare scenario in the long run. The Dodgers aren’t just the deepest and most aggressive team in baseball-they also boast the top-ranked farm system in the league. And here’s the kicker: they haven’t even dipped into that talent pool yet this offseason.
Think about what the Brewers got for one year of Burnes-Joey Ortiz and DL Hall, two promising young players. Now imagine what the Dodgers, with their unmatched financial muscle and prospect capital, could offer for Peralta.
With a new collective bargaining agreement looming and potential changes to the sport’s financial structure on the horizon, L.A. might be looking to go all-in while the current system still favors big spenders. They’re not shy about dealing prospects, and they’re one of the few teams that could meet Milwaukee’s asking price without blinking.
From Milwaukee’s point of view, they hold all the leverage. Peralta is their ace, their best shot at keeping pace with the Cubs in 2026. But if the Dodgers come calling with a monster package, it could be too tempting to pass up.
For the Cubs, this is a high-stakes waiting game. They’ve done their part this offseason-landing Alex Bregman, bolstering the bullpen, and adding Edward Cabrera to the rotation.
On paper, they look like a more complete team than Milwaukee, especially if Peralta is moved. But as we’ve seen, the Brewers don’t go quietly.
And if the Dodgers get their way, the ripple effects could stretch far beyond Milwaukee-potentially shifting the balance of power across the entire National League.
Bottom line: the Dodgers are building a juggernaut. The Brewers are holding a valuable piece that could reshape the division.
And the Cubs? They’re right in the thick of it, hoping their offseason moves are enough to finally tip the scales.