Mets' Francisco Lindor Excited for New Teammate Freddy Peralta

Lindor praises Peralta's energy and competitiveness as Mets look to bolster starting rotation

Feb. 21, 2026 at 6:07pm

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New York Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor expressed his excitement about the team's acquisition of starting pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers. Lindor praised Peralta's infectious energy and competitiveness, saying he's "glad he's on our side" after previously facing him as an opponent. The Mets are hoping Peralta can help solidify their starting rotation alongside returning pitchers like Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga.

Why it matters

The Mets struggled with their starting pitching depth last season, so the addition of Peralta represents a key offseason move to bolster that area of the team. Lindor's positive comments about his new teammate suggest the Mets' clubhouse culture remains strong as they look to build on their success and make a deep playoff run.

The details

The Mets traded two top prospects, Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat, to the Brewers to acquire Peralta, who is in the final year of a 5-year, $15.5 million contract extension. Peralta has not yet committed to re-signing with the Mets long-term. Along with Peralta, the Mets also acquired Tobias Myers, who they are stretching out to potentially be another starter this season. The Mets' rotation is expected to have a new look, with Peralta and second-year phenom Nolan McLean likely joining returning starters like Manaea, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, and Kodai Senga.

  • Lindor made his comments about Peralta on MLB Network's MLB Tonight show on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Francisco Lindor

The star shortstop of the New York Mets who is known for his positive attitude and infectious energy.

Freddy Peralta

The starting pitcher acquired by the Mets in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, known for his own high-energy and competitive approach on the mound.

Jett Williams

One of the top prospects the Mets traded to the Brewers as part of the deal to acquire Peralta.

Brandon Sproat

Another top prospect the Mets traded to the Brewers as part of the deal to acquire Peralta.

Tobias Myers

A pitcher the Mets also acquired from the Brewers in the Peralta trade, who they are stretching out to potentially be another starter this season.

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What they’re saying

“I'm very excited. This guy has infectious energy; he's always happy, but when he's on the mound, he competes. I've been on the other side of him dominating, and now I'm glad he's on our side. He's one of the best pitchers in the game.”

— Francisco Lindor, Mets Shortstop

“I actually told him today, 'Man, you haven't stopped working all day.' He (Peralta) goes, when you're going to throw 200+ innings, you've got to work.' I'm looking forward to that.”

— Francisco Lindor, Mets Shortstop

What’s next

The Mets will be closely monitoring Peralta's progress and performance during Spring Training as he looks to solidify his spot atop the team's starting rotation.

The takeaway

Lindor's excitement about Peralta's addition reflects the Mets' renewed focus on building a deep, talented starting rotation that can help the team make a deep playoff run. The team's willingness to trade top prospects for Peralta shows their commitment to improving the pitching staff after it was a weakness last season.