Freddy Peralta Named Mets’ Opening Day Starter After Offseason Trade

The New York Mets have announced that right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta will be their Opening Day starter for the 2026 season. This honor comes after Peralta was acquired by the Mets in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers in January.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed his confidence in Peralta, stating, “When we acquired him, it was pretty clear that he was going to pitch at the front of our rotation. He earned it. I’m excited. We’re all excited.”

Trade Details

The Mets acquired Peralta in exchange for right-handed pitcher Tobias Myers and highly-rated prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat.

Peralta’s 2025 Performance

Peralta enjoyed a stellar 2025 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, posting a 17-6 record with a 2.70 ERA in 33 starts. His performance led the National League in wins and earned him a fifth-place finish in the Cy Young Award voting, along with his second All-Star Game selection.

Career Overview

Throughout his eight-year Major League Baseball career, all spent with the Milwaukee Brewers prior to the trade, Peralta has accumulated a 70-42 record with a 3.59 ERA and 1,153 strikeouts in 931 innings pitched. He is expected to earn $8 million this season and will be eligible for free agency after the World Series.

Decision to Skip World Baseball Classic

Despite hopes from fans to see him represent the Dominican Republic, Peralta chose not to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He explained his decision was based on personal and professional factors. “Actually, I prepared all offseason and was fully ready to go. But there are circumstances and situations that are completely out of your control… I had to make a difficult decision and I truly believe it was the right one. I talked about it with my family and with people very close to me. It was for the best ” Peralta said.

The Mets will commence their season with a home game on March 26.