Padres could swing blockbuster trade for $110M All-Star pitcher

The San Diego Padres are a game back of a wild card spot entering play on Monday. They could be looking for more starting pitchers to help get into October.

Padres' starters have a 3.88 ERA this year, which is the 14th best in baseball. Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove and Michael King are all on the injured list right now, and the Padres may need to solidify the rotation if they want to sneak into the postseason. They are seven games behind the Dodgers in the National League West.

CBS Sports' R.J. Anderson tabbed Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers as an option for the Padres. He could be a key player for the Padres even when they are healthy in the rotation. Especially considering Dylan Cease has a 4.53 ERA this year.

"The Brewers, who could have more healthy starters than spots by the time the deadline arrives, have shown in the past that they're willing to operate in a counterculture manner if the right opportunity presents itself," wrote Anderson. "(Remember the Josh Hader trade?) Given the expected state of the market, Peralta could be the top available starter, creating the possibility that the Brewers could leverage other clubs to net an impressive return."

The Brewers trading Peralta while just two games back of the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central would be a shock. However, the Brewers have shown that they are willing to trade pitchers one year before they hit the market to maximize value. They did so with Hader, Corbin Burnes and Devin Williams.

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Peralta has an $8 million club option for next season, which is very affordable. However, once he hits the open market, he is projected to earn a five-year, $110 million deal. He has a 2.90 ERA this season and would be a great addition for any contender.

The Padres would have to give the Brewers a great return to part with their ace. Peralta has a 3.41 ERA since 2021, which is when he became a full-time starter. He has one All-Star selection under his belt and could earn another this year.

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