The Tampa Bay Rays bolstered their rotation by trading for pitcher Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets on Sunday. The Rays will take on the $2.4 million remaining on Peralta’s contract, which expires at the end of the season. In return, the Mets received minor-league outfielder Aidan Smith, infielder Émilien Pitre, and right-handed pitcher Gary Gill Hill.
Peralta, age 30, has struggled significantly during his tenure with the Mets after arriving via an offseason trade from the Milwaukee Brewers. His performance this season represents his worst showing since 2019, when he was not yet established at the major league level. Through 22 starts and 113⅔ innings, he posted a 4.99 ERA, with underlying metrics suggesting the poor results reflect actual performance rather than bad fortune. Despite the current difficulties, Peralta finished fifth in National League Cy Young voting in 2025 and maintains a reputation for durability and reliability.
The Rays enter the trade as division leaders with a 3½-game advantage over the New York Yankees in the AL East. The team had previously pursued other rotation targets, including Tarik Skubal before he was traded to the Dodgers. Peralta joins an existing rotation featuring Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez, and Griffin Jax. The Rays have used 11 different starters this season and view Peralta as a potential postseason contributor.
For the Mets, this trade completes a disappointing cycle involving Peralta. The organization originally traded prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams to the Brewers to acquire him during the offseason. After his poor performance contributed to their competitive collapse, they have now recovered three prospects in his return trade. The Mets continue their broader fire sale, having already moved A.J. Minter and with rental pitchers Clay Holmes and Brooks Raley expected to be traded before the deadline.
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