Freddy Peralta may be more than a rental for the Mets

Freddy Peralta is slated to reach free agency following the 2026 season. That does not mean that the New York Mets pitcher will be on the open market.

Peralta said that he is open to extension talks with the Mets at any time, seemingly leaving the door open for a new contract to come together during the season. He refused to comment when asked if the two sides had discussed an extension, doing so with a smile.

Peralta had the best performance of his career in 2025. He posted a 2.70 ERA and a 1.075 WHIP over his 176.2 innings, striking out 204 batters with 66 walks. Peralta was acquired to be the Mets ace and was unsurprisingly named their Opening Day starter.

Extending Freddy Peralta would give New York Mets more margin for error

Peralta gave a glimpse as to why he was coveted on the trade market in his first spring training outing. He fired three perfect innings while striking out three batters, needing only 29 pitches to mow down the Cardinals lineup. While spring training performances need to be taken with a grain of salt, Peralta made an impressive first impression.

Locking Peralta into a long-term contract would have other benefits further down the rotation. Pitching prospects Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong would not need to immediately ascend to top-of-the-rotation status, regardless of their potential. Likewise, Kodai Senga, who displayed the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter in his own right, would be under less pressure to rediscover his 2023 form.

Peralta said all the right things about his willingness to stay in New York. It may be up to the Mets to find a dollar amount that can make that happen.