Brewers Confident in Peralta Trade Despite Roster Questions

The Brewers made a tough call to trade Freddy Peralta, but believe it sets them up for long-term success.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Milwaukee Brewers made a difficult decision to trade starting pitcher Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets this offseason, raising questions about their rotation depth. However, the Brewers believe the trade, which netted them top prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat, will pay dividends in the long run as they look to build a roster capable of competing with the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers.

Why it matters

The Brewers have been a consistent contender in the NL Central, but have struggled to get past the Dodgers in the playoffs. By trading Peralta, a year before he hits free agency, the Brewers are prioritizing long-term roster building over short-term gains, even if it leaves some holes in their 2026 rotation.

The details

In the Peralta trade, the Brewers acquired infielder Jett Williams and pitcher Brandon Sproat from the Mets. While Peralta is a proven MLB starter, the Brewers believe the return of two top prospects will better position them to build a sustainable winner that can compete with the Dodgers' star-studded roster.

  • The Brewers traded Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets in February 2026.
  • Peralta had one year remaining on his contract with the Brewers before becoming a free agent.

The players

Freddy Peralta

A 26-year-old right-handed starting pitcher who was traded by the Brewers to the Mets.

Jett Williams

A top infield prospect acquired by the Brewers in the Peralta trade.

Brandon Sproat

A top pitching prospect acquired by the Brewers in the Peralta trade.

Brandon Woodruff

A 33-year-old right-handed starting pitcher who will be relied upon to anchor the Brewers' rotation in 2026.

Jacob Misiorowski

A young pitcher who had a strong 2025 season but will need to build on that success in 2026 with Peralta's departure.

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What they’re saying

“The Brewers didn't need to trade Peralta, but moving guys with a year left on their contract is just kind of what they do. And their track record is clear: when it comes to trades, they know what they're doing.”

— Zachary Rymer, Bleacher Report Writer (si.com)

What’s next

The Brewers will need to determine if their current rotation options, led by Brandon Woodruff, can step up and fill the void left by Peralta's departure. The development of prospects like Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat will also be crucial to the team's long-term success.

The takeaway

By trading Freddy Peralta, the Brewers are prioritizing long-term roster building over short-term gains, even if it leaves some holes in their 2026 rotation. The team believes the return of top prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat will better position them to build a sustainable winner that can compete with the powerhouse Dodgers in the years to come.