Freddy Peralta's journey took an unexpected turn as he prepared to represent the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Just when he was gearing up for the March event, the Milwaukee Brewers traded him to the Mets in late January, throwing a wrench into his well-laid plans. After eight seasons with Milwaukee, the transition to a new city, team, and coaching staff was a significant shift, even amidst ongoing trade rumors.
This whirlwind of change led Peralta to make the tough call to step away from the WBC, despite months of preparation. It was a decision he didn't take lightly.
In a candid interview with John Sang, Peralta opened up about his choice, speaking in Spanish about the factors that influenced him.
"I was fully ready for this," Peralta shared. "But sometimes, circumstances are beyond your control. I had to make a hard decision, and after discussing it with my family and close confidants, I knew it was the right move."
The trade from the NL Central to the NL East was a major factor in his decision.
"It hurts deeply," Peralta admitted. "Turning down the chance to represent your country, especially with such a talented team, is tough.
You never know if another opportunity will come, or if we'll clinch the win. These chances are rare, and saying no is a heavy burden.
But at times, you have to prioritize your future and your family's well-being."
While Peralta steps back, his former Brewers teammate, reliever Abner Uribe, will represent the Dominican Republic. Joining him from the Mets are pitcher Huascar Brazobán and outfielder Juan Soto, who will proudly wear the D.R. jerseys on the global stage.