Mets Land Star Pitcher: A Bold Move to Strengthen the Rotation
Mets Acquire Freddy Peralta: A Major Pitching Upgrade
In a significant trade, the New York Mets have secured two-time All-Star pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers. This move comes shortly after general manager David Stearns expressed a desire to add a top-tier starter, and Peralta's acquisition fulfills that goal. The Mets sent their promising prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams to Milwaukee as part of the exchange, with the Brewers also including another major league pitcher in the deal.
Peralta's Impact on the Mets' Rotation and Future Prospects
Peralta's arrival is expected to immediately elevate the Mets' starting rotation. While losing a prospect like Sproat, whom the Mets drafted and developed, is a setback, Peralta's proven track record as an ace represents a clear upgrade. Over the past three seasons, Peralta has maintained an impressive 3.40 ERA, consistently making at least 30 starts each year. His 2025 season was particularly outstanding, featuring a career-high 176 2/3 innings pitched, a 2.70 ERA, 33 starts, 17 wins, and 204 strikeouts, culminating in a fifth-place finish in the National League Cy Young voting.
Analyzing Peralta's Elite Performance and Pitching Arsenal
Despite his FIP and expected ERA being slightly higher than his actual ERA, Peralta's metrics consistently place him among the league's top pitchers. His .206 expected batting average against, 88-mph average exit velocity, 30.1% whiff percentage, 28.2% strikeout rate, and 34.5% hard-hit percentage all ranked in the 80th percentile or better. Peralta boasts a diverse pitching repertoire, including a mid-90s four-seam fastball, change-up, curveball, and slider. While his fastball has been his primary pitch, the Mets may encourage him to vary his usage to generate even more swings and misses, building on his ninth-highest strikeout rate among starters last season.
Peralta's Financial Future and Adapting to New York
Peralta, set to earn $8 million this year, will enter free agency next winter. However, his agency, ACES, has a history of negotiating contract extensions, presenting an opportunity for the Mets to secure him for the long term. Peralta's ability to maintain his flyball pitching style and limit hard contact in the challenging environment of Queens will be crucial. His arrival marks the second Brewers pitcher acquired by the Mets this offseason, with former Brewers president David Stearns also signing right-hander Devin Williams in December. Peralta is expected to lead a rotation that saw both dominant and inconsistent performances last season, and the Mets are confident he can thrive under the spotlight of New York.
The Departure of Jett Williams: A Strategic Move
The trade of Jett Williams, a 22-year-old versatile middle infielder and center fielder, was a strategic move necessitated by a crowded Mets infield. His path to the major league roster was further complicated by the earlier trade of Luisangel Acuña, who was used to acquire center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox. This series of transactions ultimately paved the way for the Mets' 2022 first-round pick to be included in the deal for Peralta, reflecting the team's prioritization of a solidified starting rotation.