Mets reportedly have date in mind for trading Freddy Peralta to Cubs, other team

The New York Mets continue to be one of the biggest disappointments of the entire 2026 MLB season, as they began Friday with a record of 14-23. 

On Friday morning, Tim Britton of The Athletic noted that Mets ace Freddy Peralta "would have a good chance of being the best starter available" at the trade deadline if the Mets become sellers in July. It appears Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns isn't waiting that long to discuss potential deals with other teams. 

Mets could trade Freddy Peralta to Cubs by this date

On Friday afternoon, Bruce Levine of WSCR-AM revealed that "industry sources" told him that the Chicago Cubs "are one of the teams the Mets have talked to about acquiring" Peralta. 

"June 1st is a target time for the Mets to either get back into the race or move the soon-to-be free agent," Levine added about Peralta's future. 

A Mets team in the middle of an injury crisis still doesn't know, for sure, when it will get shortstop Francisco Lindor back from a worrisome calf issue that seemingly could keep him out of action until the All-Star break. Meanwhile, Stearns' acquisition of Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers this past offseason looks like a massive mistake if only because of what the Mets gave up for the 29-year-old. 

Milwaukee received pitcher Brandon Sproat and infielder/center fielder Jett Williams for Peralta and fellow pitcher Tobias Myers. Back in January, Williams was listed as the third-best prospect in the Mets' system, while Sproat was fifth. 

What could the Mets get for Freddy Peralta from the Cubs or a different team?

According to Britton, "Peralta would be able to bring back a single top-100 prospect and maybe one other prospect in a July trade" for the Mets. Levine's "one of the teams" line indicates that Stearns is still fishing for big offers and, thus, may already be opening the door for sweepstakes regarding available players. 

Before such a fire sale begins, the Mets will look to win a third straight series when they open a three-game tilt at the Arizona Diamondbacks (17-19) on Friday evening.