The Milwaukee Brewers' offseason took a dramatic turn with the trade of two-time All-Star pitcher Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets. Despite the Brewers' front office playing it cool about Peralta's availability, it was no secret that he was on the trading block. The deal, which also included Tobias Myers, brought top prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat to Milwaukee.
The trade talks were far from straightforward. Matt Arnold, the Brewers' President of Baseball Operations, negotiated with his former boss, David Stearns, now leading the Mets.
But before this agreement, several teams showed keen interest in Peralta. The Baltimore Orioles were early frontrunners, echoing their move two years ago when they snagged Corbin Burnes.
The New York Yankees also emerged as strong contenders, aiming to replicate last year's acquisition of Devin Williams from Milwaukee.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves were on the hunt for veteran pitching depth, with Alex Anthopoulos at the helm. Atlanta's rotation was hit hard by injuries last year, contributing to their struggles in 2025. Despite not landing a big-league starter this offseason, it wasn't for lack of effort.
According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Braves not only inquired about Peralta but also made a surprising attempt to acquire Brandon Woodruff. This move was particularly intriguing, as it likely took place before Woodruff accepted the Brewers' qualifying offer. Had the Braves pursued Woodruff after his acceptance, it would have required his approval-a long shot, to say the least.
Woodruff's decision to stay with the Brewers had significant implications. Arnold cited his return as a key reason for feeling comfortable trading Peralta to the Mets. If Woodruff had opted for a different path in November, the entire landscape of Milwaukee's offseason strategy could have shifted dramatically.
The Braves, on the other hand, find themselves in a tight spot. Injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep early in Spring Training have left them scrambling for starting options, none of which match Woodruff's caliber.
This situation highlights the intricate web of decisions that define an MLB offseason. Woodruff's choice not only shaped the Brewers' moves but also left a ripple effect across the league. As Brewers fans celebrate Woodruff's return for the 2026 season, they can only wonder how different things might have been if he had taken another path.