“I know that, so far, I’ve let them down.” That’s what Freddy Peralta, the pitcher the New York Mets traded multiple prospects for, said after Sunday’s 8-3 win. It’s a brutal, honest assessment for a guy who was supposed to be a cornerstone for a team built to contend for a World Series this season.
The Big Offseason Bet That Went Sideways
The Mets came into 2026 looking to fix a disappointing 2025. They loaded up, making major acquisitions to bolster an already star-studded roster. The biggest move? Trading for Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers. This guy was coming off his finest season in the majors, rocking a 2.70 ERA over 176 2/3 innings. He was strong, occasionally great, and seemed like the missing piece. Fast forward to July 27, and Peralta, through 22 starts, has a shocking 4.99 ERA. That’s his worst performance since 2019. This isn’t just a step back, it’s a giant leap backward, and it has put him squarely on the trade block as the August 3 deadline looms.
More Than Just One Guy’s Struggles
Peralta isn’t alone in this Mets meltdown. The team sits at a dismal 44-62 entering play Monday, and plenty of other big names have underperformed. Bo Bichette, another huge acquisition, is posting the second-worst OPS+ of his career in his first few months. Marcus Semien’s decline continues, with the second baseman batting a measly .207 average at the end of July. Even star closer Devin Williams isn’t immune, carrying a 4.41 ERA through 38 games. It’s a collective failure, making the Mets one of the biggest sellers as the deadline approaches.
What’s Next For Peralta and the Mets?
Peralta is 30 years old and in the final year of his contract, which makes him extremely likely to be moved. When asked about Sunday possibly being his last start for the team, Peralta admitted to ESPN, “I know it probably is. But I have to focus and keep giving the best of myself. And if it happens, it happens. I’m thankful and grateful to be part of this organization. I know that, so far, I’ve let them down. I haven’t done what I’m supposed to do. But I’m grateful to be here.” A change of scenery could totally revive Peralta’s career. He’s been much more effective in the past, and when he’s on, he’s one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. The Mets, it seems, will cut bait, hoping he doesn’t immediately dominate for his new team.
The clock is ticking towards the August 3 trade deadline. Will Peralta be the first domino to fall for the Mets? This could be just the beginning of a major overhaul, so keep your eyes glued to see who else they send packing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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