The New York Mets made a splashy move on Wednesday by acquiring right-hander Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers, alongside fellow right-hander Tobias Myers, in exchange for top 100 prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat. The trade immediately sparked questions about whether the Mets, who have ample financial resources and a history of investing in elite talent, might pursue a long-term extension for Peralta, whose current contract expires after the 2026 season.
Speaking on Thursday, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns emphasized that extending Peralta is not yet a consideration. “I’m not going to speculate on that on Day 1 here,” Stearns said during a conference call.
He added that the team plans to let Peralta acclimate to his new environment first, keeping any future contract discussions private. While an extension could be logical in most markets, especially in Queens, where owner Steve Cohen has a track record of paying top-dollar for talent, Peralta retains the right to explore free agency if he chooses.
Mets Evaluated Peralta Trade Assuming One-Year Contract, Prioritizing Immediate Team Value
Stearns explained that the trade was evaluated with Peralta’s one-year contract as a fixed variable. “When you’re evaluating a transaction where the player is under contract for a relatively short amount of time, you have to assume the player is under contract for a relatively short amount of time and make the transaction with those assumptions,” Stearns said.
This approach contrasts with other Mets acquisitions, such as Johan Santana in 2008, where an extension was negotiated as part of the trade, and Francisco Lindor in 2021, where offseason discussions followed the initial deal.
Tobias Myers (MLB)While Peralta could potentially be extended, the Mets are confident in the value of the package they gave up. “Giving up good players hurts,” Stearns acknowledged. “Those guys are going to be playing in Milwaukee for a long time, and we’re going to be competing against them. We’re also really excited to get Freddy and Tobias here, and I think both those guys are really going to help us.” Myers, under team control for five more years, complements Peralta and adds long-term flexibility to the pitching staff.
Stearns’ Longstanding Relationship With Peralta Could Influence Potential Mets Extension
Stearns’ familiarity with Peralta, having overseen his development in Milwaukee from a young prospect to a top starter, gives the Mets an edge should contract talks occur. The executive emphasized Peralta’s character and work ethic: “He meshes well with his teammates, with his organization. He’s emerged as a really quality leader in the clubhouse with the Brewers, and he’s constantly getting better… he wants to get better. And he’s been able to get about as much out of his ability as any player can.”
While the possibility of a long-term extension exists, the Mets are taking a cautious approach, allowing Peralta to settle in first. Meanwhile, they are already optimistic about the immediate contributions both Peralta and Myers will bring to the pitching staff, underscoring a strategy that balances present competitiveness with potential future investments. The trade reflects both the Mets’ commitment to winning now and Stearns’ respect for a pitcher he has known and developed for nearly a decade.
