The Mets are in need of a starting pitcher and have several options this offseason, whether through free agency or trades. Meanwhile, the Brewers have an ace in Freddy Peralta, whose trade seems inevitable.
Brandon Woodruff, another key Brewers pitcher, accepted a $22 million qualifying offer, leading many to believe that this signals the Brewers might trade Peralta, whose contract is expiring, to get value in return. ESPN’s Jeff Passan mentioned that executives think Peralta’s trade likelihood would rise significantly if Woodruff remains with the team. Brewers owner Mark Attanasio and baseball operations head Matt Arnold have stated that decisions regarding Woodruff and Peralta are independent of each other. Attanasio emphasized their confidence in the current rotation.
Peralta’s 2026 salary is just $8 million, a favorable deal for the Brewers, but with the risk of losing him to free agency after the season, this season may be his best chance to maximize his value. Peralta had perhaps his best professional year in 2025, starting 33 games with a 17-6 record and a 2.70 ERA, earning his second All-Star selection and finishing fifth in Cy Young voting.
The Mets’ pitching rotation is uncertain, with players like Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, Watchtower Cross, and Nolan McLean expected to be on the roster as new director of baseball operations David Stearns looks to strengthen and rebuild the rotation this offseason. Stearns noted that many teams are still figuring out their direction, making it challenging to predict the market, but he is committed to staying involved and informed to make the best decision.
Besides pursuing Peralta, the Mets could target other top-tier starters like Purskvar. They have young talent such as Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat that could be used as trade assets, though Stearns has multiple ways to build the rotation. Other free agent pitchers that might be targeted include Dylan Stop, Framber Valdez, and Michael King.
Fan Take: This potential acquisition of Freddy Peralta by the Mets could be a game-changer for their rotation, adding a true ace to a team in need. For baseball fans, such moves keep the offseason intriguing, showing how teams strategically rebuild and gear up for a competitive season ahead.
