Yankees expected to acquire $15.5 million two-time All-Star ace in blockbuster trade to strengthen super rotation and compete with Blue Jays' Dylan Cease deal.

Yankees Expected to Pursue Major Trade for Two-Time All-Star Ace

The New York Yankees, coming off a difficult loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 ALDS, now face added pressure after Toronto strengthened its roster by securing Dylan Cease on a major contract. To keep pace, analysts believe New York will need a significant response.

Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report suggests that the Yankees could answer by finalizing their envisioned elite pitching rotation through a trade for Milwaukee Brewers ace and two-time All-Star Freddy Peralta, who is owed 15.5 million dollars.

According to the proposed scenario, Milwaukee would receive right-handers Carlos Lagrange, Bryce Cunningham, and Cade Smith in return. Reuter notes that with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodn, and Clarke Schmidt all expected to begin the season on the injured list, New York is actively seeking additional starting pitching. While short term options are available, acquiring Peralta would create a rotation capable of matching any club in the league once everyone is healthy.

Peralta delivered an outstanding season, finishing with a 17-6 record, a 2.70 ERA, 204 strikeouts, and a 1.075 WHIP across 176 innings. His arrival would eventually give the Yankees a rotation of Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodn, Peralta, and Cam Schlittler, forming one of the strongest pitching groups in baseball outside of Los Angeles.

For a team aiming to contend while managing payroll concerns, acquiring a two-time All-Star starter for under 16 million dollars annually is viewed as a highly efficient investment. If the Yankees intend to keep pace in the American League race, this move may be the most impactful path forward.