Mets Rotation Anchored by Freddy Peralta’s WBC Decision, Rising Prospects Signal Bright Future
As the baseball world gears up for the World Baseball Classic, the New York Mets are quietly-and strategically-shaping their 2026 season. The biggest move?
Freddy Peralta, the Mets’ ace, has opted out of representing the Dominican Republic in the WBC. And while that’s a blow to one of the tournament’s most talent-rich teams, it’s a decision that could pay massive dividends for the Mets.
Freddy Peralta Prioritizing Mets Over WBC
Peralta’s choice to stay in camp rather than pitch for his country speaks volumes about where his focus is-and it’s squarely on Queens. This is a contract year for the right-hander, and he’s coming off a dominant 2025 campaign that established him as one of the premier arms in the National League. With a major payday potentially waiting after the World Series, there’s a lot on the line, and Peralta isn’t taking any chances with his preparation.
From a Mets perspective, this is a win. With the team built to contend now, having their ace locked into a normal spring training routine instead of ramping up in March WBC action is a big deal.
It also underlines how seriously Peralta is taking his role atop the rotation. He’s not just here to pitch-he’s here to lead.
Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic’s pitching depth has taken a hit. Peralta joins Framber Valdez, Luis Castillo, and Eury Pérez as key arms sitting out, leaving Sandy Alcantara as the last marquee starter standing.
The offense is still stacked, no doubt, but the imbalance is real. What was shaping up to be a complete juggernaut now looks more like a lineup-heavy machine with questions on the mound.
Seven Mets Prospects Crack Baseball Prospectus Top 101
While the Mets’ present is anchored by Peralta and a rotation with playoff aspirations, the future is quietly surging behind the scenes. Baseball Prospectus just dropped its Top 101 prospects list, and seven Mets made the cut-a strong signal that this farm system is turning the corner.
Leading the charge is Nolan McLean, a right-hander whose stuff screams big-league-ready. He’s already shown flashes that suggest he could be a rotation mainstay sooner rather than later.
Jonah Tong is another name to watch. His delivery may be unconventional, but the underlying numbers hint at a pitcher with far more in the tank than his surface stats reveal.
On the offensive side, Carson Benge brings a tantalizing power-speed combo that fits today’s game perfectly. Ryan Clifford, a lefty slugger, adds raw thump to the system, while A.J. Ewing’s elite speed gives the Mets a potential game-changer on the basepaths.
Then there are the under-the-radar guys-Jacob Reimer and Will Watson-who’ve steadily climbed the ranks. Together, this group paints a picture of a Mets organization that’s no longer just buying talent, but developing it. That’s the kind of depth that sustains success over the long haul.
David Peterson: Reliable Arm in a Shifting Rotation
While Peralta commands the top of the rotation, David Peterson represents the kind of dependable arm every contender needs. In 2025, he gave the Mets exactly what they asked for: innings, consistency, and the ability to keep games within reach.
Peterson leaned on a strong groundball rate to navigate traffic, even as some of the advanced metrics raised eyebrows. The hard contact was there, and the walk rate left little margin for error-but he managed it.
That said, projections for 2026 are mixed. Some see a breakout mid-rotation starter.
Others see a steady back-end presence.
And honestly, that’s fine. With Peralta taking on the ace mantle, Peterson doesn’t need to be anything more than what he’s already proven he can be: a durable No. 4 or No. 5 starter who eats innings and helps keep the bullpen fresh. In a league where healthy starters are gold, that’s a role with real value.
The Big Picture
There’s a quiet confidence building around the Mets. Peralta’s decision to stay stateside sets the tone for a team that’s all-in on 2026. The farm system is deeper than it’s been in years, and the rotation has a blend of upside and reliability that can carry them deep into October.
This isn’t just about one season-it’s about building something sustainable. And right now, the Mets are doing just that.