The New York Mets have had a disappointing season so far, and Freddy Peralta could be a trade target for many teams.
He is making just $8 million this season and will be a free agent after the year ends. The Mets have had a disappointing season, and Peralta is a two-time All-Star with postseason experience. Many teams could covet him, but these three make a ton of sense.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are in wild card position entering the second half, but they have their sights set on chasing down the Milwaukee Brewers. Their starting rotation needs help, as injuries have plagued them. Cade Horton will miss the rest of the season, Justin Steele is still rehabbing and Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown and Jameson Taillon are all hurt as well. Peralta has made at least 30 starts every season since 2023, and is very durable.
Not to mention, Craig Counsell was his manager in Milwaukee and the two have a great relationship. He could slot in as a frontline starter in Chicago. A change of scenery may do him some good. He has a 4.66 ERA, and perhaps playing in a smaller market may help. Chicago is still a big market, but it does not have the same pressures as New York.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are perhaps the biggest surprise in baseball this year. They are leading the American League Central and are five games over .500. Their array of young stars are getting the job done, but they could use a veteran starter in the rotation. Peralta is affordable and would be a great piece for them if they make the postseason.
The White Sox currently have Davis Martin and Sean Burke leading the rotation. Adding Peralta could give them a real trio to rely on come October, if they keep up the way they have so far.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays spent big in free agency, but the results have not shown yet. Injuries have held them back, and their rotation could use a boost. They are 2 1/2 games oput of a wild card spot entering the second half. Dylan Cease has shined, but Shane Bieber has looked rough through four starts.
Trey Yesavage and Cease are a great one-two punch, and adding Peralta could give them a rotation worthy of making a deep postseason run again. He is not going to cost too much at the deadline, and the Mets may actually prefer to send him to an American League team.