Mets Strengthen Rotation with Freddy Peralta Trade
This offseason, David Stearns has been focused on enhancing his lineup and defense, but he also signaled the need to bolster the pitching rotation.
Late Wednesday, the former Brewers GM made a move to bring in familiar talent by trading for Freddy Peralta to upgrade the starting lineup.
“Freddie has proven himself as one of the top starters in baseball in recent years,” Stearns remarked during a Zoom call from Citi Field on Thursday. “I trust him, and I believe he’ll mesh perfectly with our organization, team, and city.”
Peralta, who comes off the best season of his career, is seen as a valuable addition, capable of anchoring the rotation.
However, there are some concerns surrounding this trade. Firstly, can Peralta replicate last year’s performance? Secondly, will the Mets manage to keep him beyond this season? The 29-year-old is set to enter free agency after this season, and some scouts are skeptical, suggesting the Mets may have overpaid for what could turn out to be a short-term asset.
Stearns opted not to elaborate on potential contract extensions, acknowledging that trades for players with shorter-term contracts don’t guarantee future deals.
“When you assess a trade involving a player on a shorter contract, it’s essential to assume they might be just a one-year addition,” he shared.
For the moment, Peralta strengthens the Mets’ rotation, joining a lineup that includes Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Kodai Chiga, Sean Manaea, and Nolan McLean, with promising prospects like Jonah Tong and Christian Scott also in the mix.
“We’re happy with our rotation,” Stearns stated. “Bringing in Freddie adds stability, helping to lead the group.”
When asked if he believes the team needs an ace, Stearns responded, “We have several pitchers in the rotation who have performed as No. 1 starters at different times. Freddie definitely fits that bill.”
He also mentioned that McLean showed potential as a No. 1 starter last year, along with Manaea and Senga, who have also displayed top-tier capabilities in the past.
Stearns is optimistic that Peralta hasn’t even reached his full potential yet.
“He’s developed into a strong leader in the Brewers clubhouse,” Stearns noted. “I witnessed his growth closely during his early years. He’s always striving for improvement.”
Last season, Peralta started 33 games and logged a career-high 176⅔ innings. However, he struggled in the postseason, recording a 5.56 ERA across his last five playoff starts from 2023.
On another note, the Mets also acquired utility infielder Vidal Burhan from the Twins in exchange for cash, following a trade involving Luis Sangel Acuña and Luis Robert Jr. Burhan, 27, recorded a .616 OPS in 2025 while playing for the Cubs, Orioles, and Braves. He was picked up by Atlanta via waivers a week ago. The Mets will need to make adjustments to their 40-man roster to accommodate Burhan, potentially requiring a waiver if he returns to the minors. Additionally, the Mets announced that Dick Scott will be returning as the manager of Triple-A Syracuse, while Michael Collins, who has spent eight years on the Astros’ coaching staff, will manage Double-A Binghamton.
