The Milwaukee Brewers, despite minimizing talk of trading Freddy Peralta during the offseason, were widely believed to have considered moving their two-time All-Star starting pitcher. Ultimately, the Brewers traded Peralta and Tobias Myers to the New York Mets in exchange for top prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat. This deal took place as Peralta approached free agency, signaling Milwaukee’s intent to rebuild through highly regarded young talent.
Before the trade was finalized, Brewers’ President of Baseball Operations Matt Arnold negotiated the deal with David Stearns, the Mets’ front office chief and Arnold’s former superior. Leading up to the agreement, many teams showed interest in Peralta. The Baltimore Orioles emerged as strong contenders to acquire the pitcher shortly after the Winter Meetings, echoing their previous successful pursuit of Corbin Burnes two years earlier. Later, the New York Yankees appeared poised to sign Peralta, which would have marked their second consecutive offseason acquiring a Milwaukee pitcher, following last year’s addition of Devin Williams.
Atlanta Braves’ Pursuit of Starting Pitching Included Both Peralta and Woodruff
The Atlanta Braves, confronting significant injuries in their starting rotation during the 2025 season, actively sought veteran starters this offseason under the leadership of Alex Anthopoulos. While reports indicated Atlanta’s ongoing interest in Peralta, it was not the only Brewers starter they pursued aggressively. According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Braves also attempted to acquire Brandon Woodruff.
Rosenthal’s report suggests that the Braves’ efforts to obtain Woodruff likely occurred before Woodruff accepted Milwaukee’s qualifying offer worth $22.025 million. Although it remains possible that Atlanta had some level of interest beyond that point, a trade involving Woodruff after he signed the offer would have required his approval—something considered improbable given his loyalty to the Brewers.
Woodruff’s Decision Impacted Both Teams’ Offseason Strategies
Had Woodruff teamed up with the Braves before accepting the qualifying offer, Milwaukee’s offseason would have unfolded quite differently. Arnold mentioned Woodruff’s return as a key reason why the Brewers felt comfortable trading Peralta. This point emphasizes how Woodruff’s choice to stay in Milwaukee directly affected the team’s willingness to move one of its top pitchers.
The Braves, meanwhile, currently face a pressing need for starting pitching. Despite the offseason push, they have yet to add a major league starter to their roster. Compounding their challenges, two young pitchers, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, recently suffered injuries during early Spring Training. While the Braves retain some pitching options, none offer the immediate upside that Woodruff would have provided.
Interconnectedness of Offseason Moves Casts Long Shadows Across MLB
This series of developments highlights how interconnected decisions ripple throughout Major League Baseball’s offseason. Woodruff’s choice to accept Milwaukee’s qualifying offer influenced not just the Brewers’ roster but also the Braves’ plans and the trade market surrounding Peralta. Brewers fans can take solace in Woodruff’s commitment, ensuring that one of their most popular and dependable pitchers will remain with the team for the 2026 season.
