Mets Struggle to Extend Ace Freddy Peralta's Contract

Negotiations hit roadblock as team seeks to lock down star pitcher long-term

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:18pm

The New York Mets made a major offseason move to acquire star pitcher Freddy Peralta, but the team is now facing difficulties in signing him to a contract extension, according to comments from Mets president David Stearns.

Why it matters

Peralta is a key part of the Mets' rotation and the team's hopes for a deep playoff run, so the inability to lock him up long-term raises concerns about the club's ability to retain top talent and build a sustainable contender.

The details

Stearns, the Mets' president, declined to provide any details on the status of extension talks with Peralta, saying he would not comment on "any sort of extension or contract talks." This suggests the negotiations have hit a roadblock, putting Peralta's long-term future with the team in doubt.

  • The Mets acquired Peralta in a blockbuster offseason trade.

The players

Freddy Peralta

A star pitcher for the New York Mets who was acquired in a major offseason trade.

David Stearns

The president of the New York Mets, who commented on the team's contract negotiations with Peralta.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not going to comment on any sort of extension or contract talks,”

— David Stearns, President, New York Mets

What’s next

The Mets will need to determine if they can reach an agreement with Peralta on a contract extension before he reaches free agency, or risk losing him to another team.

The takeaway

The Mets' inability to extend Peralta's contract raises concerns about the team's long-term planning and commitment to retaining top talent, which could impact their ability to build a sustainable contender in the coming years.