The Baltimore Orioles have already turned heads across Major League Baseball this winter, assembling what many consider one of the most aggressive and ambitious offseasons in franchise history.
Big names have been added, payroll flexibility has been tested, and the front office has sent a clear message that the competitive window is wide open. However, despite how impressive Baltimore’s moves have been, the reality of the American League East is that standing still—or even excelling in isolation—is rarely enough.
The division remains the most unforgiving landscape in baseball, and nearly every rival has taken meaningful steps forward. The most recent reminder of that reality came when the Boston Red Sox landed left-handed starter Ranger Suárez on a massive five-year, $130 million contract. That signing not only strengthened Boston’s rotation but also raised the bar for the rest of the division, particularly for Baltimore, which has positioned itself as a legitimate World Series contender.
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With Suarez no longer available, the Orioles’ margin for error has narrowed. If they want their offseason to be remembered not just as successful but as dominant within the AL East, there may be only one move left that truly accomplishes that goal: acquiring a bona fide ace.
According to Bleacher Report analyst Joel Reuter, Baltimore could achieve exactly that by swinging a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Brewers for two-time All-Star right-hander Freddy Peralta. Such a move would instantly elevate the Orioles’ pitching staff and send shockwaves through the division.
The Proposed Trade Framework
Reuter’s suggested trade package reflects the type of cost typically required to pry a top-of-the-rotation arm away from a small-market team. In this scenario:
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Baltimore Orioles receive:
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Starting pitcher Freddy Peralta
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Milwaukee Brewers receive:
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Outfielder Dylan Beavers
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Left-handed pitcher Cade Povich
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Left-handed pitcher Joseph Dzierwa
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For Baltimore, the deal represents a classic “win-now” exchange: parting with a handful of promising but unproven prospects in exchange for an established ace who can anchor the rotation immediately. For Milwaukee, it would be a chance to restock a thinning farm system while capitalizing on Peralta’s peak trade value.
Why Baltimore Is Still Hunting an Ace
Despite already making meaningful pitching additions, the Orioles remain one elite arm short of having a rotation that can match up with the best teams in October. They recently acquired Shane Baz and brought back Zach Eflin, both of whom add stability and depth. However, neither represents the type of unquestioned frontline starter who can take the ball in Game 1 of a playoff series and shift the odds immediately.
Baltimore is also banking heavily on health rebounds from Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish, both of whom possess high ceilings but carry durability concerns entering the 2026 season. While optimism remains, the Orioles know better than to rely solely on best-case scenarios—especially in a division where elite pitching depth often determines playoff fate.
Reuter summarized Baltimore’s thinking clearly, noting that the organization continues to circle the top arms on the market as they look to solidify their rotation with a proven, dependable ace. While names like Framber Valdez and Suarez have been discussed, Valdez’s rumored clubhouse issues and Suarez’s new deal in Boston have effectively closed those doors.
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That leaves Peralta as the most logical—and arguably most appealing—target.
Freddy Peralta’s Value and Impact
Peralta’s 2025 campaign showcased exactly why he is held in such high regard. Over 176 innings, he compiled a 17–6 record with a stellar 2.70 ERA, striking out 204 batters while posting an elite 1.075 WHIP. Those numbers place him firmly among the upper tier of starting pitchers in the sport, and his consistency has become a defining trait of his game.
Beyond the raw statistics, Peralta offers qualities Baltimore’s rotation currently lacks. He is durable, battle-tested, and accustomed to carrying the workload of an ace. His ability to miss bats plays especially well in the postseason, where strikeouts are often the difference between escaping trouble and watching rallies snowball.
In short, Peralta would not merely fill a hole—he would transform the identity of the Orioles’ pitching staff.
The Contract Consideration
Of course, any trade for Peralta would come with an important caveat: he has just one year remaining on his current contract. Acquiring him without a clear extension plan would represent a significant gamble, particularly given the prospect cost involved.
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Industry projections suggest Peralta could command a deal in the range of five years and $152 million when he reaches free agency in 2027. That price tag is substantial, but it is far from prohibitive for a team that has already demonstrated a willingness to spend.
Baltimore’s recent decision to invest heavily in Pete Alonso proved that ownership is ready to push payroll beyond previous comfort zones in pursuit of a championship. Committing similar resources to a frontline pitcher would be entirely consistent with that approach—especially when the payoff could be sustained dominance in the AL East.
Why the Timing Matters
If the Orioles truly believe Peralta is the missing piece, timing will be critical. Waiting too long risks another contender entering the picture or Milwaukee reassessing its willingness to move its ace. Acting decisively now could allow Baltimore to negotiate both the trade and an extension from a position of strength.
Moreover, making such a move before spring training would give Peralta ample time to integrate into the clubhouse, establish rapport with the coaching staff, and begin the season as the unquestioned leader of the rotation.
Final Thoughts
The Orioles have already enjoyed a remarkable offseason, but in a division where every marginal upgrade matters, greatness often requires one final bold step. Trading for Freddy Peralta would represent exactly that—an assertive, high-stakes move that signals Baltimore’s intention to dominate not just in 2026, but for years to come.
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If the front office can align the trade cost with a long-term extension, this deal has the potential to elevate the Orioles from contenders to favorites. The window is open, the resources are available, and the opportunity remains—at least for now.
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