If there’s one franchise in Major League Baseball that truly understands how little the regular season can mean when October rolls around, it’s the Philadelphia Phillies. While the team has performed well over the past few seasons, consistently securing playoff berths and showing flashes of dominance, the ultimate prize—a World Series title—has remained just out of reach. Until they hoist the trophy, questions about their identity and ability to finish the job will continue to linger.
That said, the Phillies have reminded everyone recently just how dangerous they can be, especially in high-stakes matchups. Their strong showings against elite teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers demonstrate that they are more than capable of going toe-to-toe with the league’s best. With the right momentum and a few breaks going their way, Philadelphia could be a serious threat in a playoff series—even against a powerhouse like L.A.
However, to truly tip the scales in their favor, particularly in a potential postseason clash with the Dodgers, the Phillies might need to make a significant roster move. One name that continues to surface in trade speculation is Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller recently highlighted Peralta as a potential trade chip should the Brewers fall out of contention by midseason. Miller noted that such a move could help Milwaukee kickstart a rebuild that’s been long overdue.
“And should the Brew Crew fall hopelessly out of contention,” Miller wrote, “trading away Peralta could be one heck of a way for them to expedite a rebuild that they have been postponing for a few years now.”
Financially, Peralta is a bargain—earning just $8 million this season with a team-friendly $8 million club option for 2026. That’s a tremendous value for a pitcher of his caliber, especially considering he’s one of only three arms (alongside Zack Wheeler and Dylan Cease) to rack up 200 or more strikeouts in each of the last two seasons.
While the Phillies already boast one of the most formidable starting duos in baseball with Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler, adding a third weapon like Peralta to the mix could elevate them to another level. In 2024, Peralta posted a solid 3.68 ERA while striking out 200 batters across 173 2/3 innings—a testament to his consistency and dominance on the mound.
Slotting Peralta into the middle or even the back end of Philadelphia’s rotation would be a luxury few teams can afford. With someone of his skill as a potential fourth starter, the Phillies’ pitching staff would become even more daunting in a playoff setting. It’s the kind of move that could turn a strong contender into a World Series favorite—and finally help the Phillies finish what they’ve started in recent seasons.
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