The New York Mets’ experiment with right-hander Freddy Peralta has ended, as the team traded the former All-Star to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. In return, the Mets received prospects Aidan Smith, Emilien Pitre and Gary Gill Hill. Neither team has confirmed the deal. It comes one day before the August 3 trade deadline. Will Sammon of The Athletic was first to report on the development.
Freddy Peralta Traded
At the tail end of the offseason, the Mets made a blockbuster trade to acquire Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers. The hope was for him to be their ace, considering he had a 17–6 record with a 2.70 ERA and 1.075 WHIP in 2025. Yet, he failed very short of replicating that level of success.
Across his first seven outings, Freddy Peralta went 2–5 and surrendered 14 earned runs and 31 hits. He struggled with his control and command during several of his outings, including when he gave up 10 earned runs and 10 hits in less than two innings. He continued to struggle, going 2–3 in July with 17 earned runs and 30 hits.
At the end of his tenure, Peralta owned a 5–9 record with a 4.99 ERA and 1.478 WHIP. Those numbers rank among the lowest for eligible players. Therefore, a trade became inevitable, as both sides were not pleased with the results. Even so, the Mets scratched Peralta from what was supposed to be his last outing against the Miami Marlins.
He joins the Rays, who sit in first place in the AL East at 65–45. Peralta also provides their pitching staff with a veteran presence who could bounce back in a new environment. Additionally, he is on an expiring contract, while the Rays will absorb the remaining $2.4 million on his deal.
Three Prospects in Return
For Freddy Peralta, the Mets received a trio of prospects. Smith was ranked No. 15 in the Rays system in addition to being a versatile outfielder. In four minor league seasons, he produced 264 hits, 56 doubles, 36 home runs and 160 RBI.
Pitre, on the other hand, was ranked No.27 in that same system. The 23-year-old split time at shortstop and second base, where he totaled 236 hits, 14 home runs and 123 RBI across three years in the minors. Hill, meanwhile, was ranked No. 26 in the Rays system. The right-hander and New York native went 19–20 with a 3.99 ERA and 338 strikeouts in four minor league seasons.
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