Blue Jays-Mets trade pitch sends $30M two-time All-Star, NL wins leader to Toronto amid slow start

The New York Mets have not gotten off to the start they expected, raising plenty of questions about the team’s early struggles. Despite that, the organization is sticking with manager Carlos Mendoza for now.

“Amid one of the worst starts in franchise history, the Mets are backing their manager," MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo wrote. "Carlos Mendoza will remain at the helm for the Mets, president of baseball operations David Stearns said Friday morning.”

If the Mets fail to turn things around and are still in a similar position by the trade deadline, they could look to move key pieces. One name that stands out is ace Freddy Peralta.

“Peralta is a prime trade chip. He’s an elite clubhouse presence and someone who is highly regarded by his teammates. He’s a high-end pitcher who has a career 3.60 ERA in nine major-league seasons. He’s also on an expiring contract and if the Mets want to get something in return in a potential lost season, then trading the right-hander should be on the table,” FanSided’s Robert Murray wrote.

If it gets to that point, the Toronto Blue Jays could be one of the first teams to show interest.

“The Blue Jays never really sniffed around the Freddy Peralta sweepstakes this past winter, but that was mostly because they'd already added two major pieces to their rotation in Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce. Ponce is now lost for the year due to knee surgery, and seemingly every other Toronto pitcher around Cease and Kevin Gausman has struggled to stay healthy as well. I still think this team will be there come September, but they're going to need some rotation reinforcements, and Peralta fits the bill beautifully if the Mets decide to sell. Yes, he'd be a rental, but we know the Jays have money to burn, and he has frontline stuff when it's clicking,” FanSided’s Chris Landers wrote.

Toronto’s pitching staff entered the season with promise but has been hit hard by injuries. Adding Peralta would be a major boost, as he could provide stability and top-end production to a struggling rotation.

Peralta is in the final year of his contract and has earned roughly $30 million over his career. Acquiring an ace of his caliber could give Toronto a legitimate chance to get back into contention and make another push toward the World Series.

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