Pitcher Freddy Peralta did not mince words about his tenure with the New York Mets, candidly admitting his disappointment following his trade to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Peralta, who was acquired by the Mets from the Brewers in what was intended to bolster their rotation after missing the 2025 playoffs, struggled to find his footing in Queens.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Peralta thanked Mets fans, teammates, and the organization for their support, acknowledging that his time with the team "didn't work out as we all hoped." He expressed well wishes for their future endeavors.
During his four months with the Mets, Peralta posted a 4.99 earned run average and a 1.478 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP), metrics that would represent career worsts if maintained over a full season. Interim manager Andy Green noted that Peralta likely felt the pressure of anchoring the rotation. "He came here to anchor a rotation and felt the weight of that," Green said Sunday. "I know from talking to him, he certainly doesn’t feel like it went the way that we hoped it would and I think we all feel the same way."
The Rays organization, however, is optimistic about reigniting Peralta's previous success. He had compiled six consecutive seasons with an ERA below 4.00 during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers and was a two-time National League All-Star. Erik Neander, president of baseball operations for the Rays, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition.
"We’re excited to welcome Freddy Peralta to the Tampa Bay Rays," Neander stated. "Freddy is a proven Major League starter with high-stakes experience and a strong track record. Adding a pitcher and competitor of his caliber strengthens our team as we push forward."
Peralta's arrival in Tampa Bay marks a new chapter, with the Rays aiming to help him recapture the form that made him a notable All-Star pitcher. The Mets, meanwhile, continue their efforts to retool their roster after a disappointing end to their 2025 season.