Freddy Peralta, now a key pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, has stated he does not believe the pressure of playing in a large market like New York was the reason for his difficulties with the Mets. Peralta was traded to the Rays on August 3 for prospects Aidan Smith, Gary Gill Hill, and Émilien Pitre.
Since joining the Rays, Peralta has shown improved performance, posting a 3.80 earned run average over his last four starts. This includes a recent outing where he pitched six scoreless innings against the Detroit Tigers. He is scheduled to start for the Rays against a team that previously traded him during the past year, having faced the Milwaukee Brewers on July 20 while still with the Mets, allowing seven earned runs in 5 2/3 innings.
During his 22 starts with the Mets, Peralta had a 4.99 ERA and frequently struggled to complete five innings. He acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “It was the first time I struggled like that, but I never gave up. I was always trying to find a way to feel better, to pitch better and I knew what I can do and I was feeling good physically too and healthy, but I couldn’t make the adjustment.” He credits an extension in his delivery for adding life to his fastball and contributing to his current success.
Peralta joined the Mets last winter in a trade that sent prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams to the Brewers. The Mets initially envisioned Peralta as an ace for their rotation, though he was entering his final season before free agency.
Reflecting on the trade to the Rays, Peralta expressed optimism. “I felt good because I was going to a team that was playing really well, in first place, competing all the time,” he said. “I love the stadium here, too. When the season started, I wasn’t expecting to be traded because I was going to a whole new team. I thought I would be there the whole year, at least. But in time it wasn’t a secret I was going to be traded, and I was just hoping to go to a team like this one.”
Peralta mentioned that he maintained good relationships with his former teammates and the Mets staff. He noted his friendship with Juan Soto as particularly strong during his time with the team. The Rays currently hold a 4 1/2-game lead in the American League East, providing Peralta with an opportunity to compete for a World Series, a chance he felt was unlikely with the Mets.
Peralta met with former teammates and staff in the visitors' dugout at Tropicana Field on Monday after a light throwing session. The Rays are currently leading the AL East, offering Peralta the chance to contend for a championship, something he felt was not possible with the Mets.