Mets Acquire Freddy Peralta to Lead Rotation on Opening Day

Mets add All-Star pitcher and other big names in offseason moves to bounce back from 2025 disappointment.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:54am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's wind-up and delivery, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant Mets blue and orange colors.The Mets' new ace Freddy Peralta brings his electric stuff to the mound, as the team aims to turn around its fortunes with a revamped roster.Today in Pittsburgh

The New York Mets have acquired two-time All-Star pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers and plan to have him start on Opening Day against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets have also signed free agent infielder Bo Bichette and traded for center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox as part of their offseason overhaul aimed at turning around their disappointing 2025 season.

Why it matters

The Mets are making a bold statement with these high-profile acquisitions, betting that Peralta and the other new additions can propel the team back to the playoffs after a down year. Peralta's contract expires after this season, so the Mets are taking a risk in hopes of maximizing his talent for a potential playoff run.

The details

Peralta, a 29-year-old right-hander, dominated last season with a 17-6 record, 2.70 ERA, and 204 strikeouts in just over 176 innings pitched. He finished top-five in the NL Cy Young Award voting. Manager Carlos Mendoza is confident Peralta has earned the Opening Day start, saying "He earned his spot at the front of our rotation."

  • The Mets acquired Peralta from the Brewers last month.
  • Peralta's contract is set to expire after the 2026 season.

The players

Freddy Peralta

A two-time All-Star pitcher who the Mets acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers. Last season, he had a 17-6 record, 2.70 ERA, and 204 strikeouts.

Bo Bichette

A free agent infielder the Mets signed in the offseason to bolster their lineup.

Luis Robert Jr.

A center fielder the Mets acquired in a trade with the Chicago White Sox as part of their offseason roster overhaul.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets' manager, who is confident Peralta has earned the Opening Day start.

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What they’re saying

“He earned his spot at the front of our rotation.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

The Mets will face the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day, with Freddy Peralta taking the mound as their new ace.

The takeaway

The Mets are making a big bet on Freddy Peralta and their other high-profile offseason additions to turn the team around after a disappointing 2025 season. If Peralta and the new pieces click, the Mets could be a force to be reckoned with in the National League.