Rays interested in Mets’ Freddy Peralta after yet another disappointing outing

An American League contender has its eyes on Freddy Peralta.

The Rays are interested in the Mets right-hander, according to MLB insider Robert Murray.

Peralta, acquired from the Brewers less than seven months ago for prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat, is expected to be on the move before next week’s trade deadline following a disappointing tenure in Queens.

Through 22 starts, Peralta has posted a 4.99 ERA, which would be the highest of his nine-year major league career over a full season as a starter.

Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) pitches in the first inning when the New York Mets played the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Citi Field in Queens, NY. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The two-time All-Star was expected to serve as the ace atop the Mets’ rotation after a career year last season.

In 2025, Peralta pitched to a 2.70 ERA across 33 starts for Milwaukee and finished fifth in the National League Cy Young Award voting.

After his latest start, during which he allowed three runs (one earned) over four innings, Peralta acknowledged that it could have been his final appearance in a Mets uniform.

“I know it probably is,” Peralta said. “But I have to keep focus and keep giving the best of myself and if it happens, it happens. I am just thankful and grateful to be a part of this organization. I know so far I have let them down. I haven’t done what I am supposed to do, but I am grateful to be here.”

Peralta, set to be a free agent after this season, added that he believes he can pitch much better than he has shown during his first four months with the Mets.

“I know I can be way better than this,” Peralta said. “I still believe in myself. I am born to be a winner, not a loser, and I think I have a lot in me, a lot to show, and I know I can make it change because I still have time to make it change, to make it better.”

Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) pitches in the first inning when the New York Mets played the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Citi Field in Queens, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post

Peralta has been one of the faces of what has been a miserable season for the Mets.

After entering the year with postseason aspirations, the Mets are 45-62 heading into Wednesday’s action.

Tampa Bay is apparently looking to bolster a starting rotation that has posted a sparkling 3.53 ERA this season, the fourth-best mark in baseball.

The Rays own the best record in the AL at 62-43, putting them 2.5 games ahead of the Yankees in the AL East.