Freddy Peralta will start on Opening Day for the Mets without a contract extension.

Freddy Peralta Set to Pitch Season Opener

Freddy Peralta is set to take the mound for the opener on Thursday, a notable moment as he officially welcomes the Mets to Citi Field.

However, unless something unexpected occurs, this opportunity doesn’t hint at any further perks for Opening Day.

As the regular season approaches, Peralta and the Mets are clearly focused. During Wednesday’s practice in Queens, both Peralta and David Stearns, President of Baseball Operations, chose not to discuss the potential for a contract extension for the two-time All-Star pitcher. This is particularly noteworthy, given that the Mets recently acquired him as a significant prospect before his final year in college.

Interestingly, Peralta’s recent cheerful demeanor and focused presence have sparked rumors that the two parties may be negotiating a new deal.

Stearns, who clearly appreciates Peralta—having traded for him twice, first with the Brewers and then securing a five-year extension in 2020—was ready to send high-value prospects like Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat to Milwaukee to reinforce the team with what they hope will be their ace.

In fact, Stearns doesn’t often pursue starting pitchers with long contracts; his deal with Sean Manaea stands as his longest at three years. Peralta, at 29, certainly raises some interesting points. His reliability over the past three seasons is noteworthy—he’s started at least 30 games each year while maintaining an ERA of 3.40.

Given the questionable dynamics of last season’s clubhouse, Peralta enters with a solid reputation that continues to strengthen.

“He brings a big smile, integrity, and a love for baseball, along with strong support for his teammates,” Stearns commented. “When he’s on the mound, he thrives in competition. It’s sort of the duality of Freddie—he’s genuinely positive off the field, yet fiercely competitive in front of 45,000 spectators. It’s truly a joy to witness.”

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Peralta is excited about pitching and living in New York, especially since he has family in the area. He reflected positively on his initial few months with the team, expressing, “We’re all on the same page here. We’re all connected.”