The Chicago Cubs and New York Mets have already completed one trade during the current season, exchanging struggling left-handed starter David Peterson for the Cubs’ highly regarded prospect Cole Mathis.
With the MLB trade deadline approaching on August 3, speculation continues to grow about whether the two clubs might strike another deal before the cutoff.
Recent reports indicate that the Cubs hold particular interest in Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta, viewing him as a potential rental addition to bolster their roster. This interest stems from ongoing needs within Chicago’s pitching group, which has faced significant setbacks due to injuries throughout the year.
Peralta’s background with Cubs manager Craig Counsell adds an intriguing layer to any potential discussions. The two worked together during Counsell’s tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers, creating a level of familiarity that could ease a transition if a move materializes.
Earlier this year, the Mets brought in Peralta along with fellow pitcher Tobias Myers from Milwaukee. In return, Milwaukee received top prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams in a deal completed back in January.
This season has proven challenging for Peralta in his new uniform. He has recorded a 4.66 ERA across 20 starts and 104.1 innings pitched. Observers have pointed to subpar defensive support from the Mets as one contributing factor to his elevated numbers.
Despite the current struggles, Peralta demonstrated strong form in 2025 while still with the Brewers. He posted an impressive 17-6 record accompanied by a 2.70 ERA over that campaign, showcasing the kind of ability that made him an attractive acquisition initially.
As a pending free agent at season’s end, Peralta represents a classic rental option for contending teams seeking starting pitching help in the final stretch. His availability could prove timely given the relatively thin pool of sellers ahead of the deadline.
League executives and scouts have suggested that the Mets stand to receive meaningful value if they choose to move Peralta now. Projections point toward a package that could include a top-10 to top-20 prospect paired with controllable major-league talent ready to contribute immediately.
For the Cubs, addressing their depleted rotation remains a priority. Multiple key arms have landed on the injured list, leaving gaps that a veteran starter like Peralta could help fill during the push toward the postseason.
Any agreement between the Cubs and Mets would mark their second transaction of the season, highlighting a growing willingness to conduct business between the organizations. Such a move would align with Chicago’s need for immediate reinforcements and New York’s opportunity to restock its farm system.
The Mets attempted to secure Peralta with a contract extension earlier but were unable to reach terms. Moving him before he reaches free agency would allow the club to avoid losing him without compensation while potentially gaining assets to support future rebuilding efforts.
Overall, the situation surrounding Freddy Peralta underscores the strategic maneuvering typical of the trade deadline period.
Both the Cubs and Mets must weigh short-term competitiveness against long-term roster construction as August 3 draws nearer, with Peralta emerging as a pivotal figure in those calculations.
