Freddy Peralta Surprised by Steve Cohen's Attendance at ALCS Game

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Freddy Peralta expressed surprise at the presence of New York Mets owner Steve Cohen during Game 2 of the American League Championship Series on Tuesday. Peralta, who pitched six scoreless innings to help the Rays even the series against the Cleveland Guardians, was unaware his former employer was in attendance at Tropicana Field.

"Oh, I had no idea," Peralta said postgame. "I don’t know if he came to watch just the game or maybe me too, but what I can say is that we have a good relationship and when he traded for me [in January] he texted me, we spoke, also when we were in spring training we had really good communication. … I think that he’s awesome. I’m happy that he was here."

Peralta was traded to the Mets from the Milwaukee Brewers on January 21. During his 22 starts in Queens, he posted a 5-9 record with a 4.99 ERA. After being acquired by the Rays in a trade deadline deal in August, Peralta found his form, finishing the regular season with a 5-2 record and a 3.25 ERA.

Across 10.2 innings pitched in the 2026 postseason, Peralta has allowed just one run. His performance in the ALCS, including his Game 2 outing, signals his continued success in Tampa Bay, a franchise known for developing pitchers.