Mets' Freddy Peralta gets real on trade rumors

Following a shocking meltdown late last season, the New York Mets have endured a brutal start to this campaign.

Despite being one of the clear winners of the offseason, Carlos Mendoza's team has failed to find consistency and doesn't look like a true contender right now. Unsurprisingly, that has prompted countless trade rumors around multiple stars, including Freddy Peralta.

When asked about that, the veteran hurler acknowledged that he's aware of all the chatter, and he knows that playing better as a team is the only way to silence the outside noise.

Freddy Peralta wants to stay with the Mets

“It’s tough,” Peralta told Will Sammon of The Athletic. “It’s part of baseball, but we know we have to perform better.”

The 29-year-old is still one of the best in business, and he knows he can be a contributor to a championship-caliber team. While he would obviously rather that happen in Queens, he also knows this is a business first and foremost, so he'll have to stay ready and professional through the struggles.

“I want to be on a team that I know is going to put all the effort in getting a championship sooner or later. I feel that way here,” added Peralta. “...If something happens later, there’s nothing I can do. Just be ready for everything.”

In a league-leading 11 starts, the Dominican workhorse has logged a 3-4 record with a 3.52 ERA, a 1.272 WHIP and a 111 ERA+ with 63 strikeouts and 27 walks. Those numbers may not be Cy Young-worthy, but he's a battle-tested veteran who'd be an immediate upgrade for most rotations. 

The Mets are 22-32 and in fifth place in the NL East. Peralta might gauge strong interest in the trade market if they don't turn things around soon.