After being traded to the New York Mets last week, the Mets on Tuesday officially introduced Freddy Peralta to New York.

Peralta first talked about his initial reaction to the trade. “I was prepared for the moment,” Peralta stated, knowing a trade was imminent. “I’m really happy to be here with New York and to represent the New York Mets organization.” He described New York as a different market and city than he’s used to, and talked about how there’s more fans and more eyes on players.

This is also a bit of a reunion as David Stearns was the general manager for the Brewers from in 2015-2022. One of his first moves then was trading for the righty. Part of trading for Peralta twice had to do not only with how well he performs on the field, but Stearns noted his tremendous leadership qualities off the field. For Peralta, he says he just tries to be himself.

“Every single day. … It doesn’t matter whether we lost or won the night before, how good or bad was my game the night before or the same day, I just try to be myself,” he said. He grew up with the mindset of trying to help others, trying to feel good about himself, and trying to make other feel good about him and themselves as well.

Playing in New York

When he was asked about the pressure of playing in front of the New York fans and how playing in the MLB postseason has prepared him for that, he said it’s helped him a lot.

“The game during playoffs is a different level,” he stated. “And I think New York every day feels like that.”

Peralta is already in Port St. Lucie, where he works out with former Met, Luis Severino, who is now with the Oakland Athletics. Though they play for different teams, the two players share a close relationship and have talked a lot about New York.

“We workout every day together. Even since the trade, we’ve been working out together,” said Peralta.

Outside of for Met Severino, Peralta has already had conversations with Tyrone Taylor, Francisco Lindor, Sean Manaea, Francisco Alvárez, and Juan Soto. “They’re welcoming me very well and making me feel a part of the family already,” he said. “All of them called, they shared some thoughts and have welcomed me very well,” he stated. “It makes me feel really good, and I told them I can’t wait to be with you guys together and have fun together,” exclaimed Peralta with a smile.

He also said he’s approaching the pressure of New York by playing by embracing the Latino hunger to win.

“I know how the Latinos are [in New York], and we have the hunger to win inside,” he said.

“We just want to win,” he stated.

Other Notes from the Press Conference

There are no active discussion for a contract extension, Peralta said. Right now, his focus right now is on getting to know his teammates and the city.
Peralta is undecided on whether or not he will pitch in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. He noted personal reasons were the reasoning behind, but described it was being an amazing honor and a feeling that stays in your heart and mind forever in being selected to represent your country.
He cited durability as his most important asset. “The number one important thing for me is to be healthy and to take the ball every five days and go out there and be there for the team,” he said.

He’ll look to keep the momentum going as he begins this next chapter the Mets and his quest to lead a team to a World Series championship.