Insider Pitches Braves, Brewers 2-For-1 Freddy Peralta Mo...

By Patrick McAvoy

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Atlanta Braves could use another starting pitcher this offseason.

That's not to say the team doesn't already have high-end arms. In fact, it does. But injuries played a significant role in 2025. Bryce Elder led the way for Atlanta with just 28 starts in 2025. Spencer Strider made 23 starts, Grant Holmes made 21 starts, Chris Sale made 20 starts, Spencer Schwellenbach made 17 starts, and Joey Wentz had 13 starts, among others who helped fill in.

Because of that, the Braves could use another dependable starter who can eat up innings. One guy who has gotten a lot of buzz already this offseason that fits that description is Milwaukee Brewers All-Star Freddy Peralta. He had a 2.70 ERA in 33 starts in 2025. The Brewers picked up his $8 million club option for 2026, but trade rumors have been swirling about him all offseason.

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Although the Brewers threw cold water on the idea of a trade, Jim Bowden of The Athletic put together a list of mock trades involving the two-time All-Star, and one included Atlanta.

"If the Braves offered right-hander JR Ritchie and shortstop Alex Lodise, I believe a deal could get done," Bowden wrote. "Ritchie, 22, was the Braves’ 2022 first-round selection out of high school. He had Tommy John surgery midway through the 2023 season, returning in July 2024. He was outstanding in 2025 in his first fully healthy professional season, posting a 2.64 ERA over 26 starts spread between three minor-league levels, including 11 starts in Triple A.

"His mid-90s fastball and wipeout slider are both plus pitches. He still needs work on command and control, but he should develop into a solid mid-rotation starter in time. Lodise was the Braves’ second-round pick in July out of Florida State. He won the Dick Howser Award for FSU in 2025 after hitting .394/.462/.705 with 17 homers as a junior. With the Brewers wanting to stockpile shortstops who hit for power, he’s a perfect fit."

This is the type of trade that would move the needle for the Braves. Peralta hasn't made fewer than 30 starts in a season since 2022. A rotation featuring him, Sale, Strider, and Schwellenbach would arguably be among the best in baseball overall.

More MLB: Braves Acquire 3-Year Veteran Outfielder After Phillies Stint: Report

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