The New York Mets acquired this frontline starter in a trade this offseason, and won't wait long to employ him in their rotation.
The New York Mets certainly reshaped their roster with an aggressive approach to win now and have acquired several big names this offseason. The names headlining the acquisitions are including free agent infielder Bo Bichette, former Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr., and ace Freddy Peralta, who they traded for from the Milwaukee Brewers to add a two-time All-Star to their starting rotation in exchange for two prospects. The Mets won’t waste time putting their new ace to the test, as the team named Peralta their Opening Day starter – setting up an exciting showdown against dynamic Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes.
New York manager Carlos Mendoza explained to reporters Friday how this was the plan when deciding to acquire Peralta, adding that he’s “earned it.” Peralta went 17-6 in his 2025 campaign with a 2.70 ERA with 204 strikeouts – hitting 200 or more in three straight seasons – in 176.2 innings pitched. He led the National League in wins and finished fifth in Cy Young Award voting, drumming up plenty of excitement ahead of his Opening Day debut.
Here is the full story from Mets Roundtable writer Matt Wadleigh on the must-see Opening Day duel between two stellar aces and what New York fans can get excited about in Peralta’s debut.
Peralta spent his entire eight-year career in Milwaukee until now and is 70-42 in his career with a 3.59 ERA and 1,153 strikeouts in 931 innings pitched. New York wanted their frontline starter, and they finally got one to anchor their rotation that’ll eventually whittle down to six for the 2026 campaign.