The Atlanta Braves currently boast a strong starting rotation, but a lack of depth has been an ongoing issue in recent seasons. A steady stream of injuries has left the team short-handed on the mound, often forcing them to operate without a full complement of arms.
Because of that, Atlanta could be aggressive on the trade market before Opening Day in search of a frontline starter.
Just Baseball’s Jay Staph recently proposed a blockbuster deal that would send Milwaukee Brewers ace to the Braves in exchange for prospects JR Ritchie, Alex Lodise, and Jhancarlos Lara.
Staph noted that Milwaukee would come away with an impressive haul, even if it doesn’t include multiple top-100 prospects like some other hypothetical deals. Headlining the return would be right-hander JR Ritchie, currently ranked No. 94 overall, along with two additional quality prospects. Ritchie’s breakout 2025 campaign played a major role in his rise, as he sharpened his pitch mix and consistently induced ground balls.
Peralta fits the profile of an ideal Braves target, though his contract is set to expire. Atlanta has the financial flexibility to both acquire him and pursue a long-term extension, but they would need confidence in their ability to re-sign him before parting with a premium prospect like Ritchie.
Ritchie stands out as one of the Braves’ best pitching prospects in an otherwise thin farm system. With his upside and potential to develop into a top-of-the-rotation arm, Atlanta would be reluctant to move him unless Peralta could be more than a one-year rental.
