Freddy Peralta was scratched from Friday’s scheduled start against the Marlins because the Mets are protecting a valuable trade asset. No injury has been reported. New York remains engaged in trade conversations involving Peralta before Monday’s 6 p.m. ET deadline.
Peralta had remained listed as Friday’s probable starter through early afternoon. Interim manager Andy Green previously said he would pitch unless New York completed a trade first. The late change strongly suggests negotiations have advanced enough for the Mets to avoid unnecessary injury or performance risk.
The 30-year-old right-hander owns a 5-9 record, 4.99 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 113 strikeouts across 22 starts. His July decline included a 6.85 ERA, 17 earned runs, and five homers across 22.1 innings. Peralta has completed six innings only once since early May and last recorded a quality start June 9.
His current season still comes with an attractive track record. Peralta finished fifth in National League Cy Young voting last year after producing a 17-6 record and 2.70 ERA for Milwaukee. The Mets acquired him during the offseason alongside Tobias Myers for Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat.
The Cubs, Rays, Braves, and Phillies have reportedly shown interest. A Milwaukee reunion has also surfaced during deadline conversations. New York already began selling Thursday by trading A.J. Minter to Minnesota for Billy Amick and Bruin Agbayani.
Peralta’s scratch provides the clearest indication yet that another Mets trade could arrive soon. New York had not immediately announced a replacement starter for Friday’s game.
