RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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On paper, the New York Mets were supposed to contend for a World Series in 2026. With the team already blessed with stars, it didn't rest on its laurels coming into the year. Major acquisitions were made to strengthen the team after a disappointing 2025 season.
The biggest offseason acquisition for the Mets may have come via trade, as the team gave up multiple prospects to acquire star pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers.
While Peralta had been a strong — occasionally great — pitcher, he was coming off his finest season in the majors, posting a 2.70 ERA over 176 2/3 innings.
But he's taken a big step backward in his 22 starts with the Mets. Following Sunday's performance, Peralta has a 4.99 ERA, his worst performance since 2019.
Because of his performance, contract situation and the fact that the Mets sit at 44-62 entering play Monday, Peralta is among the most-likely candidates to get traded at the deadline.
He spoke about that possibility after Sunday's contest, which the Mets won 8-3. When asked whether it could be his final start with the team, Peralta admitted he let the organization down , per ESPN.
"I know it probably is," the 30-year-old Peralta said. "But I have to focus and keep giving the best of myself. And if it happens, it happens. I'm thankful and grateful to be part of this organization. I know that, so far, I've let them down. I haven't done what I'm supposed to do. But I'm grateful to be here."
He's not the only member of the team who has failed this season. Some of the team's other big free-agent acquisitions haven't put up their usual numbers in 2026. Bo Bichette has the second-worst OPS+ of his career in his first couple months with the Mets. Marcus Semien's decline has continued, with the second baseman sitting at a .207 average at the end of July. And star closer Devin Williams has a 4.41 ERA in 38 games.
Because of that, the Mets are considered among the biggest sellers as the trade deadline approaches. Peralta, who is in the final year of his contract, is extremely likely to be moved ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline.
A change of scenery could go a long way for Peralta, who has been much more effective in the past. The stink of the Mets has tainted a number of players in 2026, and another organization could find a way to return Peralta to form.
When he's on, Peralta can be among the most dominant pitchers in the majors. That never came with the Mets, who will presumably cut bait with the starter and hope he doesn't immediately turn things around on his new team.
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