Freddy Peralta, Mets reportedly have an understanding amid his struggles

A March report indicated that the New York Mets and starting pitcher Freddy Peralta never came close to agreeing to a contract extension ahead of Opening Day. 

Peralta is set to reach free agency after the 2026 season wraps up, and he largely hasn't been as good as advertised since the Mets acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers during the offseason. For an article published on Wednesday, MLB insider Chelsea Janes of SNY suggested that Peralta's long-term future won't be sorted out anytime soon.

Freddy Peralta, Mets seem to have an understanding regarding a possible contract extension

"People familiar with thinking on both sides say the Mets and Peralta do not plan to discuss a potential extension or even the parameters of a potential free agent deal until after the season," Janes wrote. "In fact, people familiar with Peralta’s thinking have said all along he would rather not talk about his contract status during the season, preferring instead to ingratiate himself with teammates and focus on his place in his current clubhouse."

Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently reported that Peralta "will be seeking a free-agent contract similar to Max Fried’s eight-year, $218M deal, according to those familiar with Peralta’s expectations." Back in March, Jon Heyman of the New York Post (h/t SNY) shared that Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns would likely be "more comfortable with something in the range of four years, or perhaps five."

The Mets sent young pitcher Brandon Sproat and infielder/center fielder Jett Williams to the Brewers in return for Peralta and fellow pitcher Tobias Myers. Peralta allowed six runs over six innings in a 7-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night, which increased his ERA for the season to 4.04.

Meanwhile, the Mets fell to 29-37 on what's been a disappointing campaign for the club. They may soon start taking calls from contending teams about Peralta and other players who aren't locked down via multiyear contracts.

Mets, Freddy Peralta may see the writing on the wall

"A holding pattern makes the most sense anyway," Janes added. "Peralta’s recent struggles mean he would not be negotiating when his value is highest. Plus, the Mets cannot say for sure that they will not feel forced to trade Peralta at the deadline if they slide further out of contention."

Stearns and team owner Steve Cohen reportedly "are going to wait this out as long as possible" before they think about selling players ahead of the trade deadline. Thus, Peralta should receive opportunities to improve his numbers for the season before the Mets make a final decision about his status.