Metropolitan's Major Trade Acquires Brewers' Ace Peralta, Transforming Starting Rotation Strength

Although the Mets made significant lineup adjustments this winter, restructuring their hitting lineup and bringing in multiple newcomers, they had not resolved last season’s biggest problem—the starting pitching staff. This shortcoming has finally been robustly reinforced.

Today, the Mets completed a crucial trade acquiring two-time All-Star right-handed starter Freddy Peralta and versatile right-hander Tobias Myers from the Milwaukee Brewers. The 29-year-old Peralta posted a 2.70 ERA in 33 starts last season, and his addition will substantially boost the Mets’ rotation strength.

Peralta will become a free agent after this season and is expected to serve as the Mets’ de facto ace, joining Nolan McLean, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, Kodai Senga, and David Peterson in the starting rotation.

In exchange, the Mets sent their third overall prospect Jett Williams and fifth overall prospect Brandon Sproat. Williams is a versatile player capable of covering shortstop, second base, and center field, while Sproat made his major league debut last year. Though both have future potential, the Mets deemed the cost worthwhile to secure a top-tier pitcher, especially given their rotation ranked 27th in ERA after June 12 last season.

Peralta’s salary this season is only $8 million (team option), offering excellent value. His arsenal includes a fastball around 95 mph, changeup, curveball, and a premier slider that generated a 53.4% whiff rate last year. Although early in his career he struggled with health issues (only one season with over 25 starts between 2018-2022), in the past three seasons he has averaged 32 starts and 172 innings per year with a 3.40 ERA and 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings.

The 27-year-old Myers relies on exceptional extension and control to suppress hitters, posting a 3.15 ERA over 31 starts and 18 relief appearances in his career. He has five years of team control remaining and is expected to serve the Mets in a similar swingman role.

Before acquiring Peralta, the Mets’ rotation had depth but lacked a high ceiling. Manaea and Senga were both hampered by injuries in 2025, Peterson’s performance declined in the second half, and Holmes, after moving to the starting role, showed durability but average results. Now, Peralta will share leadership duties with the previously considered ace McLean.

David Stearns, the Mets’ President of Baseball Operations, is very familiar with Peralta, having overseen his development during his tenure with the Brewers from 2018 to 2023. As before, Stearns plans to rely heavily on this right-hander to push for the playoffs and to handle critical situations when needed.

This trade also marks the conclusion of the Mets’ unprecedentedly active offseason—after trading first baseman Pete Alonso, outfielder Brandon Nimmo, and closer Edwin Díaz, the team brought in second baseman Marcus Semien, third baseman Bo Bichette, closer Devin Williams, and now Peralta to strengthen the rotation.