Freddy Peralta likely faces one-year prove-it deal after Rays stint

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Freddy Peralta is projected to miss out on a nine-figure contract during the upcoming free agency period. After an initial stint with the New York Mets where he posted a 4.99 ERA over 22 starts, Peralta was traded to the Rays at the 2026 MLB trade deadline. His performance has improved slightly in Tampa Bay, recording a 4.35 ERA and a 3-2 record over seven starts. Despite this late-season adjustment, analysts suggest the pitcher will likely sign a short-term prove-it contract rather than the multi-year, nine-figure agreement he may have secured earlier this year. To improve his market position, he would need to maintain his current form through the end of the regular season and into October. If he maintains his current trajectory, a return to the Rays or a move to the Milwaukee Brewers are considered potential destinations for the 2027 season.

• 3:24 PMYahoo Sports — Rays' Freddy Peralta gets bad news on free-agency with nine-figure report