New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta has emerged as a potential trade candidate, with the Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Chicago Cubs identified as three top landing spots. Peralta, a two-time All-Star, is in his first season with the Mets but is experiencing a career-worst statistical year.
Peralta's current season statistics include a 4.99 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP, a stark contrast to his career-best 2025 season where he posted a 2.70 ERA and 5.5 wins above replacement. Despite his struggles this year, Peralta is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and is viewed as a pitcher capable of bolstering a starting rotation.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies, who have seen a recent slump and now hold a slim 1.5-game lead in the National League wild-card race, could benefit from Peralta's addition. While Philadelphia boasts a strong top three in its rotation with Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, and Jesús Luzardo, the backend has been inconsistent. Veteran Aaron Nola is having a difficult season with a 5.61 ERA, and Andrew Painter was sent down in June. Peralta, who has averaged 204.7 strikeouts per season from 2023-25, could stabilize the rotation and potentially allow Nola to move to a long-relief role in the postseason.
Peralta primarily utilizes a four-seamer and changeup, with a less frequent slider. A potential hurdle for the Phillies is the possibility of overpaying for Peralta, given he plays within the same division, and the team may also be counting on Nola's postseason track record.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks, currently holding the second NL wild-card spot, are another team that could pursue Peralta. Despite strong seasons from Eduardo Rodriguez and Mike Soroka before his injury, the Diamondbacks' rotation has faced challenges. Zac Gallen is having an uncharacteristic season with a 6.34 ERA, and other starters have struggled or been sidelined. Peralta's addition could provide a significant boost to a rotation that ranks 26th in MLB in opponent batting average (.260).
Peralta's past performance with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he averaged a 3.30 ERA from 2021-25, highlights his potential. A change of scenery could be beneficial for the right-hander. The question for Arizona remains whether Peralta would make them a true contender or just improve their chances in early playoff rounds.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are looking to bolster their pitching staff, and Peralta represents a potentially affordable option. Chicago's rotation ranks 16th in MLB in ERA (4.31). While Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd have been reliable, other starters have faced injuries or inconsistency. Peralta could join Imanaga, Boyd, and potentially others like Edward Cabrera or David Peterson in the postseason rotation.
Acquiring Peralta would likely be a three-month rental, minimizing the impact on the Cubs' farm system. A trade package could potentially include catcher/first baseman Owen Ayers and pitcher Javier Assad. This move is seen as less costly than pursuing a player like Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, who is also a free agent after this season.