Orioles just got the perfect offseason gift from Brewers trade rumors

Ever since Corbin Burnes passed on a return to Baltimore last offseason, the Orioles have had a need for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. With a growing expectation that the Baltimore Orioles will commit to upgrading their pitching staff this offseason, they could follow the blueprint they had when they acquired Burnes.

Burnes was entering his contract season, and the small-market Milwaukee Brewers made the decision to trade the perennial Cy Young Award candidate instead of letting him leave for nothing via free agency. It's a strategy the Brewers followed last offseason, trading Devin Williams to the New York Yankees ahead of his contract year, and one they may follow again this offseason.

Freddy Peralta has sat at the top of the Brewers' rotation since Burnes was traded, but Milwaukee is facing a contract decision this offseason. Peralta has an $8 million club option for the 2026 season, and while the expectation is that the Brewers will pick it up, there remains a belief that the 29-year-old starting pitcher will be shopped this offseason.

Orioles’ best offseason fix might come from Brewers trade buzz surrounding Freddy Peralta

The reason the Orioles may look to address their need for pitching could be similar to why the Brewers may move Peralta. Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, and Ranger Suarez are among the top starting pitchers available in this year's free-agent class, and it's hard to believe the Orioles will be among the top bidders for any of them. All three have varying degrees of question, which adds incentive for why the Brewers might shop their ace this offseason.

Factoring in the affordable $8 million and coming off a season with a 2.70 ERA while striking out over 28% of the hitters he faced, Peralta would be one of the most coveted pitchers on the trade market this winter. With a top-heavy farm system and a plethora of controllable bats, the Orioles are once again an ideal trade partner for the Brewers.

The Burnes' trade was a transformative deal for the Orioles, suggesting they are ready to play in the sandbox with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. They've since left the sandbox, and along the way, became one of baseball's most disappointing teams in 2025. A trade for Peralta would certainly right the ship.