Mets predicted to part ways with $15M 2-time All-Star, 74 strikeout arm at trade deadline

Mets predicted to part ways with $15M 2-time All-Star, 74 strikeout arm at trade deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The New York Mets‘ season so far has been one to forget, as they have been plagued by injuries throughout the year. On top of that, they have struggled to perform consistently.

It has gotten to the point where there is already discussion about whether the team could become deadline sellers. Manager Carlos Mendoza has also seemingly hit the panic button.

“There’s so much I could sit here and say that we worry – we’ve got to go out and do it ourselves. We’re not putting ourselves in good positions. It’s not early anymore. Whatever I say here doesn’t matter, we’ve got to go out there and do it,” Mendoza told the media.

There are growing rumblings that New York could end up selling at the trade deadline. With that in mind, MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo believes the Mets could move Freddy Peralta.

“With each passing week, the Mets are looking more and more like Deadline sellers. If that comes to pass for the second time in four years, Peralta would be the most obvious candidate to move, given that he can be a free agent after the season. Although Peralta hasn’t pitched like an ace, he’s playoff tested and would bolster nearly any staff in baseball. The Mets also have Clay Holmes to sell, but his price would almost certainly be discounted as he recovers from a fractured right fibula,” DiComo wrote.

Any team would be fortunate to add Peralta, as he led the National League in wins last season. However, his next contract is expected to come at a significant price.

“If a team acquires New York Mets ace Freddy Peralta at the trade deadline and wants to keep him, they better be ready to pay up. Peralta will be seeking a free agent contract similar to Max Fried’s eight-year, $218 million deal, according to those familiar with Peralta’s expectations,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.

The Mets are a better team than their record suggests, but it does not matter if they cannot stay healthy. Peralta is simply too valuable a player not to generate trade interest from contenders.

Peralta is currently in the final year of his $15 million contract, meaning any acquiring team would get him as a rental. With the Mets’ season trending downward, he is quickly becoming one of their most expendable assets.

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