The New York Mets are expected to be one of baseball’s biggest sellers before the MLB trade deadline, and one name that has generated quiet speculation is pitcher Freddy Peralta.
More specifically, the Milwaukee Brewers — the team from which the Mets acquired Peralta over the winter — have emerged as a potential trade destination for the right-hander.
However, the latest update makes it clear that a deal sending Peralta back to Milwaukee is unlikely to materialize.
MLB insider Robert Murray, writing for FanSided, reported that conversations between the Mets and Brewers about a Peralta trade have, in fact, taken place. At the same time, Murray noted significant skepticism from multiple sources about the chances of such a reunion actually happening.
That skepticism is the operative point for Mets fans and decision-makers alike.
Peralta absolutely does have a rather strong market in spite of the fact that he owns a 4.99 ERA this season, but with the two-time All-Star slated to hit free agency once the offseason arrives, New York may have trouble reaping a substantial return.
Milwaukee is searching for starting pitching, and given Peralta’s familiarity with the franchise, you would think a reunion makes sense. It’s also possible that Peralta would feel rejuvenated by joining a team in the middle of a playoff push, not to mention the fact that he would feel at home.
The Mets would still like to get some sort of a return, however, and the Brewers may not be willing to offer it to them given the year that Peralta is having.
New York sent Milwaukee two of its top prospects — Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams — to pry Peralta away from the club last winter. The Mets obviously know they won’t be able to land a similar return. But they do want to save face with some sort of a haul — even if it’s minor — after an obvious failed trade.
In addition to his bloated ERA, Peralta owns a 1.478 WHIP this season, and his K/BB ratio (2.35 ) is the lowest of his career.
Peralta broke into the big leagues with the Brewers in 2018 and became a full-time starter in 2021. He logged a 3.59 ERA across eight seasons in Milwaukee.
We’ll see if the two sides can get something done before Monday.
