Freddy Peralta named to MLB All-Star Game, replacing Brewers teammate Brandon Woodruff

The Milwaukee Brewers took the bold step of naming three young, unproven hurlers to their Opening Day starting rotation in 2019 — Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, and Freddy Peralta. Things didn’t exactly work out well with that decision at the time, but now three seasons later, each member of that trio can claim the title of “MLB All-Star.” Woodruff and Burnes were both named when the rosters were initially announced, but the way Woody’s schedule lines up, he won’t available to appear in the Midsummer Classic. So last night, Peralta was named to replace him.

Peralta, 25, has become a huge developmental success for the organization. Originally signed by the Mariners as an international free agent with a modest $137K bonus in 2013, he was one of the three teenage pitchers acquired by the Brewers in the Adam Lind deal at the end of 2015. Since then, he’s added velocity, sharpened his control, introduced a slider and changeup to his repertoire, and varied his pitch mix, evolving from someone with an intriguing swingman/relief profile to a legitimate frontline starter at the game’s highest level. He signed a long-term extension with the Brewers prior to the 2020 season, and he can be retained in Milwaukee through at least 2024 (and potentially 2026 if the contract options are exercised).

This year, Peralta owns a 2.23 ERA and 3.11 FIP through 93.0 innings in 17 appearances (16 starts). He’s punched out 129 batters versus 42 walks, with only 42 hits allowed. He ranks #6 in baseball in ERA, #5 in K/9, tied for #14 in fWAR, and #7 in RA9-WAR.

Statistics courtesy of Fangraphs