Latest Brewers' trade rumor would be music to Cubs fans' ears

With the calendar officially flipped to June, Major League Baseball teams are getting an early sense of the trade market ahead of the Trade Deadline on July 31. As things stand, it would be a safe bet to place the Chicago Cubs as an aggressive buyer at the deadline. The same can't be said for any other team in the National League Central.

How the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers perform this month will likely be the determining factor in the direction they take at the deadline. The Cardinals had the perception of a seller entering the season, but have been a surprise contender. Meanwhile, after a dull start to the season, the Brewers appear to be on an ascent, currently riding a 9-game winning streak.

Given the recent success by the Brewers, some heads may have turned when Robert Murray of FanSided listed his four players he expects to be mentioned in trade rumors over the coming weeks. The surprise player mentioned was Brewers' starting pitcher Freddy Peralta.

"But there will surely be interest in Peralta and with a surplus of pitching depth, the Brewers could be in position to maximize his value – whether it’s at the deadline or in the offseason," was among the musings Murray had.

One less team for the Cubs to worry about

While the Brewers certainly have the pitching depth at the Major League level to withstand a potential trade of Peralta, it would be a move that signals Milwaukee kicking the can on the 2025 season. However, as Murray also notes, the Brewers trading Peralta during the offseason may be more aligned with the moves they have made in recent seasons. An intriguing aspect of a Peralta trade is the fact that he has an $8MM club option for the 2026 season.

While we're on the subject, no, there isn't a scenario where the Brewers would likely consider trading Peralta to the Cubs. In the trades the Brewers have made, whether it was Corbin Burnes or Devin Williams, they have remained in a position to contend for the National League Central. Trading Peralta to the Cubs would not serve that purpose.