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Mets Facing Freddy Peralta Problem Ahead of 2026 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Mar 19, 2026 10:26 PM ET

The New York Mets acquired right-handed starting pitcher Freddy Peralta in a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers this past offseason. Will Peralta be a one-year rental, though? Rumors of a possible contract extension swirled throughout the offseason after the trade. Nothing has happened, however. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, a contract extension is "highly unlikely" to come to fruition between Peralta and the Mets.

Peralta is set to enter free agency following the 2026 season. He's been one of the better pitchers in MLB in recent years, so he will command a lucrative contract next offseason. The Mets are not shy about spending money which leaves the door open for a possible reunion, but the fact that Peralta and the Mets have been unable to agree to an extension may be reason for concern.

There is a chance that Peralta will get what he is looking for elsewhere. Of course, that means the Mets would have Peralta for only one season after the trade. A one-year rental likely is not what they were looking for, so it will be interesting to see if they continue to discuss an extension with the All-Star.

Mets Hoping to Avoid Potentially Losing Freddy Peralta in Free Agency Next Offseason

New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51)Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Peralta, 29, is a two-time All-Star who is coming off of one of his best seasons in the big leagues. The 2025 campaign saw Peralta earn the second All-Star selection of his career while also finishing fifth in National League Cy Young voting with the Brewers. He ended up making 33 starts and pitching to an impressive 2.70 ERA along the way. Peralta added 204 strikeouts.

Peralta has been durable and consistent in recent years. He has made at least 30 starts in each of the past three seasons. His 33 starts represented a career-high in 2025. Peralta has also recorded at least 200 strikeouts in each of the past three years.

The Mets know who they are getting in Freddy Peralta. He is an ace-caliber starting pitcher who is going to go out every fifth day and give his team a chance to win. Peralta is going to get his strikeouts, and keep his team in contests even when he does not have his best stuff on the mound.

Losing him in free agency next offseason would obviously be far from ideal.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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