Freddy Peralta's last start for the New York Mets was a nightmare and his first and potentially lone season in Queens hasn't gone as planned.
Peralta, who the Mets acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in the offseason for top prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat, gave up 10 earned runs in 2.2 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.
This saw his ERA on the season jump up from 3.90 to 4.83 across 16 starts (85.2 innings). Despite Peralta's impressive track record in the big-leagues, that is not an attractive number for outside suitors. He has also failed to provide length in the majority of his starts this year.
But Peralta is a two-time All-Star and holds a career ERA of 3.69. And with the 34-43 Mets looking like sellers ahead of the August 3 MLB trade deadline, which is six weeks away, Peralta will be their top trade piece as a rental starter.
Athlon Sports asked a number of rival executives and scouts around baseball about what they think New York could get back in a deal for Peralta. Here's what they had to say.
"(It) wouldn’t be a lot because of (the expiring) contract and production," one American League executive said of a potential return for Peralta.
"Teams are not going to give up a lot/good prospects this deadline. The Mets would be better off trying to sign him long term."
The Mets have already attempted to extend Peralta, who is said to be seeking an eight year deal, but were unsuccessful. Peralta, 30, is making just $8 million in 2026 and is set to become a free agent after the season.
One AL scout guessed that the Mets could get a top 10-20 ranked prospect in an opposing team's farm system.
"(Peralta's) been a horse down the stretch though, should be able to get a prospect," the AL scout said.
On a more positive note, one National League executive that I spoke with believes the return for Peralta could be greater.
"I think there’s a chance he can still net a significant prospect or young major league ready player," the NL executive said.
"Depending on the team, I think (a) top 10 (prospect) is possible," he added.
The NL executive agreed that Peralta's affordable salary should play a factor in the Mets' return. He also agreed that a change of scenery could benefit the veteran starter who should be able to help a contender's starting rotation down the stretch of the season.
One NL scout also thinks the Mets could get a solid return for Peralta.
"I would say one major league ready controllable player/prospect and one top 10 (prospect)," the NL scout said.
"He's not trending well and there is injury history. I can see them packaging someone else with him. Like (Mark) Vientos."
Vientos, 26, has had back-to-back rough seasons offensively after breaking out in 2024 with 27 home runs. He does, however, hold tremendous right-handed power and comes along with a cheap salary ($813.75K in 2026) and two more years of club control. The Mets were open to trading Vientos, the first baseman/third baseman/DH, in the offseason.
Beyond Peralta, the Mets don't have too many other attractive trade pieces besides fellow starter Clay Holmes, who is rehabbing from a fractured fibula and might not be back before the deadline.
They also have rental relievers Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter that could help boost a contender's bullpen. However, the return for starters is always much greater than the return that rental relief pitchers draw.
Unless the Mets somehow turnaround their dreadful season in the next six weeks, Peralta will be their best trade chip come the trade deadline in August.
