Freddy Peralta Makes Historic MLB Debut with 13 Strikeouts
On Sunday, the Milwaukee Brewers introduced right-hander Freddy Peralta to Major League Baseball with a spectacular debut that will go down in franchise history.
From the Dominican Republic to the Big Leagues
Born on June 4, 1996, in the Dominican Republic, Freddy Peralta’s journey to the MLB began in 2013 when he signed with the Seattle Mariners. The Brewers later acquired him in a trade, and by 2017, Peralta’s potential became evident as he posted a stellar 2.63 ERA and an impressive 169 strikeouts in 120 innings across High-A and Double-A. Despite his relatively small stature for a pitcher—standing 5'11" and weighing 175 pounds—Peralta has consistently demonstrated his ability to exceed expectations.
Dominant MLB Debut
Facing the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, Peralta delivered a performance to remember. Over 5 2/3 innings, he struck out 13 batters, tying the Brewers’ franchise record for strikeouts in a debut—a record previously held by Steve Woodard.
Peralta relied heavily on his four-seam fastball, throwing it for 90 of his 98 pitches. His precision and movement on the pitch left Rockies batters baffled.
A Dream Realized
This debut was particularly special because it was the first time Peralta’s family had seen him pitch as a professional. Originally planning to watch him play for the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate in Colorado Springs, they instead made the 70-mile trip to Denver to witness his MLB debut.
Peralta reflected on the emotional moment, saying,
“Oh my God, I did it.”
A Bright Future Ahead
At just 21 years old, Freddy Peralta exemplifies the success of a “gestalt” pitcher—a player whose overall performance is greater than the sum of his individual skills. His historic debut is a promising start, and the Brewers look forward to seeing how he builds on this strong foundation.