The New York Mets are off to a rough start at 14-23, placing them among the worst teams in the league. In Thursday’s matchup, they fell 6-2 to the Colorado Rockies in another disappointing all-around performance.
The struggles have been fueled by a league-worst offense, underperformance from high-priced additions and ongoing injury issues. They have been without key contributors, including shortstop Francisco Lindor, who is dealing with a left calf strain, and shortstop Ronny Mauricio, who is sidelined with a fractured left thumb.
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One bright spot has been right-hander Freddy Peralta, who has been effective this season, posting a 3.12 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP and 43 strikeouts over 43.1 innings across eight starts.
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64)© Jeff Curry-Imagn ImagesRafael Suanes-Imagn Images
He has been at his best this season, though his strong outings have not translated into wins. After being traded from the Milwaukee Brewers this past offseason and landing with the Mets, his arrival has not translated to overall success.
As a result, New York’s front office may be willing to part ways with Peralta just weeks after trading multiple top prospects for his services.
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According to Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network, the Chicago Cubs have interest in acquiring Peralta, with June 1 viewed as a key date for the Mets to either push back into contention or consider moving him as he approaches free agency.
Peralta has already surfaced in trade rumors just a month into his tenure, an unfortunate development for Mets fans. Just weeks before the regular season, both Peralta and New York’s front office appeared open to a contract extension. Now, he may be on his way out the door.
To see the Mets already open to trading away their ace this early is extremely disappointing even if it makes sense to recoup assets for a player that may not be apart of the big picture.
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With the Mets struggling, they have a greater incentive to trade Peralta rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency. The 29-year-old originally signed with the Seattle Mariners as an international free agent in 2013 before being traded to the Brewers in 2015.
Now with the Mets, the two-time All-Star and former fifth-place Cy Young finisher was outstanding for Milwaukee last season, posting a 2.70 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and 204 strikeouts over 176.2 innings in 33 starts. He is in the final year of the five-year, $15.5 million contract extension he signed with the Brewers in 2020.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.