A new report suggests that the New York Mets and pitcher Freddy Peralta will not agree to a contract extension during the season.
The top priority for the Mets during the offseason was to acquire a legitimate ace, if possible. A big reason for their poor performance at the end of the season in 2025 was that they had no losing-streak stopper leading their rotation.
Well, they addressed it in January when they made a blockbuster trade for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. 2025 was a historic year for the two-time All-Star as he posted 17 wins and a 2.70 ERA – both career bests. Unsurprisingly, shortly after the deal, speculation began regarding the impending free agent extension.
Locking the 29-year-old to a multi-year deal rather than letting him hit the open market would be a smart move. However, according to Tim Britton of The Athletic, an in-season extension is not something the Mets ever do.
Britton wrote, "The Mets' hesitation to extend has persisted over nearly two decades of varying player cores, front offices and even ownership." "The Mets are 27th in baseball in extensions signed this decade with three. They are 28th in extensions signed in the last decade under Wilpon ownership, with six.
"Since 2010, the Mets' nine extensions are ahead of only the Detroit Tigers (eight) and New York Yankees (five)."
Sources suggest NY Mets will not give Freddy Peralta a season extension
Still, the club's long history of being resistant to in-season extensions is not the only reason this is unlikely. Britton also said, "The Mets are unlikely to get deeply involved in extension talks across their entire roster, according to people familiar with the club's thinking."
Considering the big money the team has already invested in multiple players, it would be understandable if they would at least want to see how Peralta handles half a season in New York. Additionally, team president David Stearns has consistently shown that he is against major extensions for players 30 or older. Peralta will turn 30 in June.
However, if Peralta posts another All-Star season in 2026, the Mets are at major risk of losing his services in free agency this winter.
