The Mets acquired right-hander Freddy Peralta, a two-time All-Star, from the Milwaukee Brewers in a deal that sent two top prospects, Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat, to Milwaukee. Peralta is under club control only through this year, making him a high-risk, high-reward addition as the Mets aim to defend their World Series aspirations.
In five starts with New York, Peralta has gone 2-1 with a 4.05 ERA. By contrast, he enjoyed a standout 2022 season with the Brewers, posting 17 wins and a 2.70 ERA while helping Milwaukee win 97 games and secure the league’s best record. The Mets hoped he could stabilize the rotation, but the early returns have been mixed.
ESPN columnist David Schoenfield identified Peralta as a potential trade chip if the Mets fall out of contention by the trade deadline. He noted that a Mets collapse could spark interest in multiple starting pitchers and highlighted Peralta as a plausible option for teams seeking rotation upgrades later in the season.
If the Mets can turn things around, Peralta could stay in New York, where the roster was built with a World Series push in mind. If the club is out of the race, however, New York would be well-positioned to sell, with Peralta’s contract year and modest $8 million salary increasing his appeal to potential buyers.
The broader context suggests the Mets are still feeling the aftershocks of last season’s collapse, and early results have fueled concerns about several offseason moves under GM David Stearns. Whether the team can reverse course remains a key storyline as Peralta’s status could swing between staying in New York or being moved at the deadline.
As the season progresses, Peralta’s value and the Mets’ trajectory will likely dictate whether he remains a focal point of the rotation or becomes one of the top trade candidates in July. The path forward will be closely watched by Mets fans and rival clubs alike.
