Freddy Peralta just snagged the American League Championship Series MVP award, straight up dominating the Cleveland Guardians and pitching the Tampa Bay Rays into the World Series. It’s wild because this guy was with the New York Mets just a few months ago, and now he’s an ALCS legend.
Fastball Freddy Just Shut Down the ALCS
We saw Peralta absolutely DEAL in the ALCS. The dude went 2-0 with an insane 0.75 ERA across three appearances, two of them starts. Rays manager Kevin Cash didn’t even hesitate to call him “Fastball Freddy” when he announced the MVP, and you know why. That overpowering four-seamer was basically unhittable. He gave up just one run and five hits over 5 1/3 innings on Monday night in their 7-3 series-clinching win. But that’s not all, right? He tossed six scoreless innings back in Game 2, and then came in for relief in Game 4 and got two crucial outs. He was everywhere. “This is crazy,” Peralta said, “I’m very happy to be here, to be part of this great group and this organization.” You can feel the energy in that quote.
From Flushing Flop to Tampa Bay Phenom: What a Turnaround
This whole story is bonkers when you look at the timeline. Peralta, a two-time All-Star, was tearing it up last year for Milwaukee with a 17-6 record and a 2.70 ERA. But because he’s eligible for free agency this fall, the Brewers traded him to the Mets in January. For New York, he was 5-9 with a 4.99 ERA in 22 starts. Oof. Then, the Rays swooped in and grabbed him in an August 2nd trade before the deadline, and BAM! He instantly flipped the script. He went 5-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 10 starts for Tampa Bay and even locked down AL Pitcher of the Month for September. “When I got here, everything changed,” Peralta explained. “I remember when I (got) to the clubhouse, we were in Colorado playing against the Rockies, and as soon as I stepped in the dugout in the first inning, I felt the vibes. I felt something different. And I think that’s why we’re here now.” You hear that? Vibes. That’s what it’s all about sometimes.
Now, for the ultimate twist, Peralta gets to face his first team, Milwaukee, in the World Series. Talk about a narrative! “Milwaukee is always going to be in my heart, but it’s time to compete,” he stated. “I’m grateful to be here and excited to go home.” Get ready for that World Series showdown.
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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