THE “ACE” REVELATION: Freddy Peralta is the Target
BOSTON, MA—The “league on alert” isn’t a reaction to a free-agent signing, but a seismic shift in the trade market. After losing out on their top free-agent target, Michael King—who stunned Boston by re-signing with the Padres on a 3-year, $75 million deal late Thursday—Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has reportedly activated “Plan B” with a vengeance.
The “ACE” in question is Milwaukee Brewers superstar Freddy Peralta. As of December 19, 2025, the Red Sox are in deep negotiations to acquire the 29-year-old right-hander who “once dominated” the National League with a historic 17-win, 204-strikeout campaign in 2025.
THE “$76 MILLION” CONNECTION
While the headline mentions a “$76M Ace,” the figure represents the projected market value for Peralta’s next contract extension, which Boston would likely look to finalize immediately upon completion of the trade.
- The Bargain: Peralta is set to make a mere $8 million in 2026—the final year of his current deal—making him the most affordable elite starter on the market.
- The Extension: Insiders suggest the Red Sox are prepared to offer a 4-year, $76 million extension (averaging $19M/year) to anchor their rotation through 2030, a move that would immediately solidify a staff currently featuring Sonny Gray and Garrett Crochet.
THE BLOCKBUSTER PRICE: WHO IS BOSTON GIVING UP?
To land a pitcher of Peralta’s caliber, the “negotiations” have reportedly centered on Boston’s most valuable trade chip: Jarren Duran.
“The Brewers are demanding an All-Star outfielder to replace the production they lost last season,” one AL executive noted. “If the Red Sox want the ace, they have to part with Duran. It’s the kind of trade that defines a front office’s legacy.”
- The Proposed Package: Jarren Duran, infielder Romy Gonzalez, and a top pitching prospect (rumored to be David Sandlin).
- The Reward: Peralta brings a career 11.4 K/9 rate and a “nasty” four-pitch mix that is perfectly suited for the high-pressure environment of the AL East.
BY THE NUMBERS: THE PERALTA IMPACT (2025)
| Metric | Freddy Peralta | The “Ace” Standard |
| Wins / Losses | 17–6 | Top 3 in the National League. |
| ERA | 2.70 | Career best over 176.2 Innings. |
| Strikeouts | 204 | His third 200-K season in four years. |
| Contract (2026) | $8 Million | Massive surplus value for a “blockbuster” team. |
THE VERDICT: A ROTATION TRANSFORMED
If Breslow pulls the trigger, the 2026 Red Sox rotation would feature a terrifying 1-2-3 punch of Freddy Peralta, Garrett Crochet, and Sonny Gray. It is a clear signal that Boston is no longer content with “marginal moves” and is ready to challenge the Yankees and Blue Jays for the division crown.
