The New York Mets thought they were getting an ace last offseason, but Freddy Peralta never really looked settled in Queens. The stuff was there, but the results never matched the billing.
Now he’s pitching the way the Mets expected all along.
After being traded for a second time in less than a year, Peralta landed with the Tampa Bay Rays and wasted no time turning things around. He posted a 3.25 ERA and 1.01 WHIP across 55.1 innings to finish the regular season, then followed that with two strong playoff outings. One of those was six shutout innings against the Guardians in Game 2 of the ALCS.
Peralta has clearly found a better rhythm in Tampa Bay. He’s working closer to home plate and using a mid-to-high 90s fastball along with a high-80s changeup to keep hitters guessing.
That stretch has changed how one evaluator sees his next contract. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter believes Peralta’s run with the Rays will help him land a four-year, $80 million deal in free agency.
“The Tigers gave Jack Flaherty a two-year, $35 million deal after an inconsistent season, but he didn't have the same track record as a frontline starter. The four-year, $80 million deal that Eduardo Rodríguez signed with the D-backs feels closer to the market Peralta can expect this winter, with an outside shot at a fifth year,” he wrote.
It would be a hefty payday, and one that would be unusual for Tampa Bay, which typically doesn’t hand out deals of that size.
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