Mets Could Face Major Freddy Peralta Decision After Cubs Inquiry: Report

How much are the New York Mets in trouble, a little over a month into the 2026 MLB season?

Well, they might already be discussing what kind of prospect package they can get back for one of the few performing players on the roster.

Freddy Peralta was supposed to help the Mets compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the National League pennant this season after getting him from the Milwaukee Brewers, but the hurler might already be on the move in the coming weeks if the Mets can’t turn around what has been a horrific start.

Per Chicago baseball pundit Bruce Levine, the Chicago Cubs, among other teams, have already spoken with the Mets about what it would take to acquire Peralta, who is set to be a free agent this offseason.

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The Brewers traded Peralta because they weren’t interested in being the team to give him the long-term deal he’ll be looking for in a few months, and now, with the Mets sitting nine games under .500 and things somehow getting worse, it could be their best move to play hot potato with the expiring pitcher.

For the Cubs, it is the perfect maneuver for a team that most likely wouldn’t try to re-sign Peralta in the offseason but could desperately need his help to bolster their starting rotation, which has been hammered with injuries.

Chicago has been one of the best teams to begin the season, even with their hamstrung pitching, and adding Peralta as a reliable ace or second to Shota Imanaga would be a massive boon.

Although a deal isn’t expected immediately, things could change quickly if the Mets continue sliding down the standings with one of the most expensive rosters in baseball weighing them down in a season where ticket sales might crater by the summer.

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This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 1:25 PM.