THE “HOT STOVE” SURGE
ATLANTA, GA—As the baseball world settles into the final days of 2025, a massive trade proposal is “gaining buzz” that could redefine the National League power structure. Multiple reports, including recent analysis from ClutchPoints and Sporting News, have linked the Atlanta Braves to a blockbuster move for Milwaukee Brewers’ ace Freddy Peralta.
The “calculated and strategic” move centers on one of the Braves’ most promising young arms: Hurston Waldrep. Following a stellar late-season debut where he posted a 2.88 ERA, Waldrep has emerged as the “centerpiece” Milwaukee would require to part with their two-time All-Star.
THE 2-TIME ALL-STAR: FREDDY PERALTA
Peralta isn’t just a “name” in the rumor mill; he is coming off a career-defining 2025 season that has established him as a true ace.
- The 2025 Campaign: Peralta finished 5th in NL Cy Young voting, posting a 2.70 ERA with 204 strikeouts over 176.2 innings.
- The “Contract Predicament”: Peralta is entering the final year of team control with a team option worth just $8 million. For the small-market Brewers, the fear of losing him for nothing in free agency is driving the “urgency” to trade him now for maximum value.
- The Fit: Adding Peralta to a rotation that already features Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and a returning Spencer Strider would give Atlanta arguably the most feared “four-headed monster” in baseball.
THE COST: WHY HURSTON WALDREP?
For St. Louis or Milwaukee, a “reset” requires elite, controllable pitching. Waldrep fits the bill perfectly, but trading him tests the Braves’ conviction:
| Feature | Hurston Waldrep (23) | Freddy Peralta (29) |
| Control | Through 2032 | 1 Year Remaining ($8M) |
| Stuff | “Electric” Splitter/Fastball | Elite “Invisiball” Fastball/Slider |
| 2025 Value | 2.88 ERA (56.1 IP) | 2.70 ERA (176.2 IP) |
| Trade Status | The Centerpiece | The “Win-Now” Ace |
BY THE NUMBERS: THE PROPOSED PACKAGE
Insiders suggest that a “one-for-one” swap won’t be enough. The rumored deal gaining traction involves:
- Braves Receive: RHP Freddy Peralta
- Brewers Receive: RHP Hurston Waldrep AND RHP Blake Burkhalter (Braves’ No. 11 prospect).
THE VERDICT: A “CHAMPIONSHIP OR BUST” MOVE
Alex Anthopoulos is on record stating that Atlanta’s “last remaining need” is a high-caliber starter who can “start a playoff game.” While the Braves see Waldrep as a future star, Peralta is a star today.
The “hidden factor” remains the extension. Reports indicate the Braves would likely only pull the trigger if they can secure a long-term commitment from Peralta during a limited negotiating window—similar to the deals they struck for Matt Olson and Sean Murphy.
