Extension could mean Freddy Peralta never leaves Mets

New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta may have something more than a payday in mind when it comes to his next contract.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that Peralta is not interested in a short-term, high-dollar contract should he reach free agency. Instead, he is looking for a long-term deal on a team where he could finish his career.

Rosenthal also reported that the two sides have yet to have substantial talks regarding an extension. Peralta, however, previously stated that he does not have a deadline for those discussions to take place and played coy when asked if extension talks had started.

Familiarity with Freddy Peralta, New York Mets front office could lead to new contract

Peralta is coming off the best season 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. That performance led to Peralta being named an All-Star for the second time and a fifth-place finish in the NL Cy Young award vote.

A long-term extension, such as what Peralta is looking for, may not be in the cards. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has yet to sign a pitcher for more than three years during his time with the Mets. At the same time, Stearns had signed Peralta to his five-year, $15.5 million extension when both were with the Brewers. Stearns had also traded for Peralta in 2015 to bring him into the Brewers organization originally.

That degree of familiarity has helped make Peralta comfortable in his first few months with the Mets. It could also lead to Stearns and the Mets front office being comfortable enough to give Peralta the long-term contract he wants.