Mets Claim Dodgers' $1M World Series Champion Off Waivers

The Mets continue to make offseason additions, including Freddy Peralta and Bo Bichette.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 11:23am

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The New York Mets have been active this offseason, making a flurry of moves to improve their roster. They recently acquired All-Star pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers and signed infielder Bo Bichette away from the Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets have also claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers, adding a World Series champion to their roster.

Why it matters

The Mets are looking to bounce back after collapsing and missing the playoffs last season. By making these key additions, they are positioning themselves to compete with the top teams in the NL East, including the Phillies and Braves.

The details

The Mets traded two of their top prospects, Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams, to the Brewers in exchange for Peralta and Tobias Myers. They also signed Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract after missing out on Kyle Tucker. Additionally, the Mets claimed Rortvedt off waivers from the Dodgers, adding a World Series champion to their roster.

  • The Mets acquired Peralta and Myers from the Brewers on Wednesday.
  • The Mets signed Bichette to a three-year contract on Friday.
  • The Mets claimed Rortvedt off waivers from the Dodgers on Sunday.

The players

Freddy Peralta

An All-Star pitcher who the Mets acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers.

Bo Bichette

An infielder who the Mets signed away from the Philadelphia Phillies.

Ben Rortvedt

A catcher who the Mets claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers, adding a World Series champion to their roster.

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What they’re saying

“The New York Mets' winterlong pursuit of a front-line starting pitcher ended late Wednesday when they acquired All-Star Freddy Peralta, as well as fellow right-hander Tobias Myers, from the Milwaukee Brewers for Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams, two of their top prospects.”

— Jorge Castillo, ESPN Writer

“The New York Mets, in a quick pivot after failing to sign Kyle Tucker, have agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract with infielder Bo Bichette, sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday.”

— Jorge Castillo, ESPN Writer

What’s next

The Mets will continue to monitor the development of catcher Francisco Alvarez, and if he experiences another slump like last season, the newly acquired Ben Rortvedt could provide a solid backup option.

The takeaway

The Mets have been aggressive in the offseason, making key additions to their roster in an effort to bounce back from last season's collapse and compete with the top teams in the NL East. The acquisitions of Peralta, Bichette, and Rortvedt demonstrate the team's commitment to building a championship-caliber roster.