3 under-the-radar threats who could steal Freddy Peralta from the NY Mets next winter

When Freddy Peralta hits the open market, some of the usual suspects are going to battle with the New York Mets for the rights to sign him. The Los Angeles Dodgers will be right there throwing punches. Other usual big spenders and contenders will circle the wagon, too.

What about those not so usual suspects? There are always those bottom dwellers who suddenly decide to start spending. Teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates suddenly went out and were in pursuit of several major free agents this past offseason. The St. Louis Cardinals can’t rebuild forever.

These three clubs won’t be favorites to sign Peralta. However, if they want to turn the page and land an ace-like pitcher for a good 7 or 8 years like he’s apparently hoping to get, investing in Peralta isn’t an impossibility.

Three darkhorse candidates who could make a crazy bid for Freddy Peralta next offseason

1) Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox had an unusually busy offseason even with the subtraction of Luis Robert Jr. They took a chance on Munetaka Murakami. Anthony Kay has returned to The States after success overseas to try to see if he has actually learned something. They’re an ascending ball club (not that they could’ve gone down much further) who might just be ready to make some big moves.

The White Sox have made several financial mistakes they’ll never recover from Andrew Benintendi loiters in the outfield through 2027 before finally getting his release. Very few contracts that go beyond 2027, spending big on Peralta would be one way to signal to the thirsty fanbase they’re not ready to lose for another decade.

2) Baltimore Orioles

As inevitable as it was for the Mets to sign Ranger Suarez or Framber Valdez, the same truth applied to the Baltimore Orioles. They’re often considered a match in free agency for any big starting pitcher. Continually, they’ve avoided those deals.

Could something change with Peralta? This is the same organization who went to 5 years with Pete Alonso when no one else would. Until they actually throw bigger free agent punches, the Orioles are going to be a team that looks capable on paper that will only come up short in the postseason.

3) Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have a lot in common with the White Sox. The difference is the White Sox were willing to admit the truth. The Angels haven’t. They’ve regularly spent big in free agency, often not doing nearly enough to justify deals like Yusei Kikuchi.

Their creation of a TV Network can only help the franchise funnel in more money and become a larger player in free agency. Adding Peralta to their rotation would be one way to make fans believe again. This club has the longest postseason drought in the sport while employing one of the game’s greats, Mike Trout. Not at least considering Peralta would be fishy barring an organizational choice to actually undergo a true rebuild.