3 major NY Mets additions we’d love that don’t involve a Tarik Skubal trade

3) Freddy Peralta

Tarik Skubal isn't going to be the only high-end starting pitcher on the trade market this offseason. Milwaukee Brewers' right-hander Freddy Peralta may also be on the move this winter. If the Mets fail to land Skubal or pivot to another option, going after Peralta would be one of the best alternatives. 

2025 was Peralta's best season yet. He pitched a career-high 176.2 innings while putting up a career-low 2.70 ERA. His peripherals were also solid, with a 28.2% strikeout percentage, a 9.1% walk rate, and 1.07 HR/9, with a 1.08 WHIP, and 3.64 FIP. While his 88 MPH exit velocity was in the 80th percentile of pitchers this year, his 9.3% barrel rate came in at just the 36th percentile.

The only knock you could make on Peralta's performance in 2025 was that his ERA estimators were not as good as his ERA. He had a 3.85 xFIP and 3.68 SIERA. Both were nearly identical to his career average of 3.79 xFIP and 3.61 SIERA. However, no one will complain if Peralta's ERA is approaching the mid-3s. That is especially true if he can string together his fourth straight year making 30 or more starts.

Peralta is under control for one more season, just like Skubal. However, he'll be much cheaper in terms of payroll. Peralta has a team option worth just $8 million, while MLB Trade Rumors projects Skubal to make nearly $18 million in arbitration. If the Mets want a strong starting pitcher without having to pay the cost of Skubal, Peralta is one of the best options out there on the trade market.