Mets' Peralta Seeks Long-Term Contract, Stearns Hesitant

Ace pitcher Freddy Peralta wants 7-8 year deal, but Mets' president has history of avoiding big pitching contracts

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta has expressed his desire for a long-term, 7-8 year contract with the team, but team president David Stearns is known for avoiding big-money deals for pitchers due to the volatility of the position. Peralta is coming off a strong 2025 season with the Milwaukee Brewers and is seen as a key part of the Mets' rotation, but Stearns' philosophy may clash with Peralta's contract demands.

Why it matters

Peralta's desire for a long-term deal highlights the tension between a player's personal goals and a team's roster-building strategy. The Mets need to solidify the top of their rotation, but Stearns' track record of caution with pitching contracts could make it difficult to keep Peralta long-term.

The details

Peralta, 29, is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season. He is coming off a 17-6 season with a 2.90 ERA and 204 strikeouts for the Brewers. The Mets acquired him this offseason to be their new ace after a disastrous 2025 campaign for their rotation. However, Stearns is known for avoiding large, long-term contracts for starting pitchers due to the injury risk at the position.

  • Peralta made his comments about wanting a 7-8 year contract in February 2026 during Spring Training.

The players

Freddy Peralta

A 29-year-old right-handed starting pitcher who was acquired by the New York Mets this offseason. He is coming off a strong 2025 season with the Milwaukee Brewers.

David Stearns

The president of baseball operations for the New York Mets, known for his cautious approach to signing long-term contracts for starting pitchers.

Jonah Tong

A top pitching prospect in the Mets' minor league system who is expected to join the major league rotation soon.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm really comfortable here. I'm not going to lie, I'd love to be here, and I'd love to stay a long time... Everything has been amazing. Talking from the bottom to the top, the people in the front office, everyone. They've been very easy for me, easy to work with, and I'm just happy because I feel they have my back.”

— Freddy Peralta (New York Post)

What’s next

The Mets will need to decide whether to offer Peralta a long-term contract extension this offseason, which would go against Stearns' typical approach to pitching contracts.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenge teams face in balancing a player's desire for long-term security with a front office's philosophy of roster construction. The Mets will have to carefully weigh Peralta's value to the team against Stearns' history of caution with pitching contracts.