Baseball
Baseball
Rays Bolster Rotation with Acquisition of Freddy Peralta from Mets
The Tampa Bay Rays have officially acquired right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets in a deal announced Sunday. This move strengthens the Rays’ starting rotation as they hold a 3 ½-game lead in the AL East, adding a seasoned arm with postseason experience ahead of Monday’s trade deadline.
In exchange for the 30-year-old Peralta, who is set to become a free agent after the current season, the Mets received three minor league prospects. New York gains outfielder Aidan Smith, infielder Émilien Pitre, and right-handed pitcher Gary Gill Hill. Smith (Rays’ No. 15 prospect), Gill Hill (No. 26), and Pitre (No. 27) were ranked among the Rays’ top minor league prospects by MLB Pipeline. The Rays will also take on the remaining $2.4 million of Peralta’s $8 million contract for the year.
Peralta, a two-time All-Star, finished fifth in the NL Cy Young voting in 2025 and is known for his ability to consistently take the mound. While his performance this season, his first with the Mets after an offseason trade from the Brewers, has been a step down from his usual standards, the Rays are banking on his established pedigree. “Freddy is a proven Major League starter with high-stakes experience and a strong track record,” stated Erik Neander, Rays president of baseball operations.
This acquisition comes after the Rays were reportedly strong suitors for Tarik Skubal, who ultimately went to the Dodgers. Peralta now joins a Rays rotation that includes Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez, and Griffin Jax. For the Mets, who have committed to selling, Peralta’s departure is expected to be one of several as they continue to move rental players and other assets.
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