The Braves are actively shopping for starting pitching help this offseason, and Alex Anthopoulos isn’t hiding his intentions. After watching his rotation battle injuries throughout 2025, Atlanta’s general manager is exploring both trades and free agent signings to shore up what’s become a glaring need.
“We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s trade or signing. We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game,” Anthopoulos said.
Translation: they’re not looking for back-of-the-rotation filler.
One name that’s caught Atlanta’s attention is Freddy Peralta from Milwaukee. The Brewers’ ace brings exactly what the Braves need – elite stuff and playoff experience. But any deal would require Atlanta to give up something significant in return.
That’s where things get interesting.
Sean Murphy could be the centerpiece heading back to Milwaukee, according to ATL All Day’s Nick Halden. It’s a move that makes sense for both sides, even if it seems counterintuitive at first glance.
For the Brewers, Murphy would solve their catching situation while allowing William Contreras to slide into a full-time DH role. Halden points out that Milwaukee gets defensive stability behind the plate while maximizing Contreras’ offensive value.
For Atlanta, it’s about more than just roster construction.
Murphy’s 2025 season was derailed by a hip injury that he reportedly played through until it became unmanageable. The situation left the front office frustrated and Murphy’s performance notably declined. MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reported that Murphy’s struggles were “likely influenced by the right hip ailment that will be surgically repaired.”
Now that Murphy’s had surgery, a fresh start might benefit everyone involved.
The Braves also have Drake Baldwin waiting in the wings. The second-year catcher is viewed as the long-term solution behind the plate, which makes Murphy more expendable than he might appear on the surface.
What makes Peralta attractive isn’t just his stuff – though his arsenal is legitimately elite. He led the NL in wins and has proven he can handle big moments in October. That’s exactly what Anthopoulos is looking for when he talks about someone who can “start a playoff game.”
The question is whether Anthopoulos pulls the trigger this winter or waits until the trade deadline. He’s got options with his current rotation, but none that scream frontline starter.
All things considered, a Murphy-for-Peralta swap addresses needs for both teams while giving Murphy a chance to rebuild his value in a new environment. From where I’m sitting, it’s the kind of deal that could benefit everyone involved.
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