Chicago Cubs in danger of losing 2x All-Star trade target to the Milwaukee Brewers

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is drawing closer and closer, and it is no secret that the Chicago Cubs are in desperate need of pitching. Even with the recent trade for Aaron Civale, Chicago needs as much quality depth as they can get in both their bullpen and starting rotation.

While Civale pitched well for the Cubs last season out of the bullpen, he has not been good as a starter over the past two years. What is more, Chicago’s numerous injuries to their rotation put starting pitchers at the top of their trade deadline wish list.

Unfortunately, one of the more high-profile arms they have been linked to is now favored to go to their biggest rival this year.

Chicago Cubs trade target Freddy Peralta has been favored to the Milwaukee Brewers

Chicago Cubs, Freddy Peralta — May 17, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

One pitcher that has long been linked to the Cubs, whether it be in trade rumors this year or as a potential target in free agency after the season, is current New York Mets starter Freddy Peralta. A two-time All-Star with the Milwaukee Brewres, the Cubs know Peralta well, and manager Craig Counsell was with him when the two were in Milwaukee.

The fact that the Mets ace is having a down year has only furthered speculation that he will be traded. His struggles, along with his impending free agency, would seem to indicate he will not cost much either.

On paper, he sounds like the perfect fit for the Cubs. However, MLB insider Hector Gomez reported that Peralta is now more likely to be traded back to the Brewers, who shipped him to the Mets this past off-season:

SOURCE: The #Brewers have emerge as the top suitor to get starting pitcher Freddy Peralta before the trade deadline.#Braves and #Rays are showing a lot of interest in him, too.@z101digital

— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) July 18, 2026

Milwaukee is dealing with some significant losses to their starting rotation as well, though not nearly as much as Chicago has. It would be terribly ironic of Peralta ends up back in Milwaukee, but it would also be a disappointment to the Cubs, as they are in dire need of his services.

The fact that Peralta is 9-4 with a 3.13 ERA against the Cubs during his career is also noteworthy.

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