The New York Mets find themselves at a critical crossroads. Sitting at 14-23 with the worst record in baseball, the team has set June 1 as their deadline to turn things around or face a major roster shakeup. And according to 670 The Score, that could mean trading away their ace, Freddy Peralta—with the red-hot Chicago Cubs already expressing interest.
Peralta, who turns 30 next month, is in the final year of his contract, making him an obvious trade chip if the Mets pivot to seller mode before the Aug. 3 deadline. The Cubs, who have won nine straight games and sit atop the NL Central at 26-12, have a clear need for starting pitching. Their rotation has been decimated by injuries, with lefty Matthew Boyd the latest to go down after requiring surgery for a knee injury sustained while playing with his kids.
When Ben Brown takes the mound Friday against the Texas Rangers, he'll become the ninth different pitcher to start a game for Chicago this season—the third-highest total in baseball. The Cubs entered the year needing a frontline starter, and that need has only grown more urgent. Peralta would be an ideal fit, and Chicago has the added benefit of familiarity: Cubs manager Craig Counsell managed Peralta for years with the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Cubs know him well from his time as an NL Central rival.
The Mets acquired Peralta from the Brewers this past offseason in a blockbuster trade that sent shortstop Jett Williams (the No. 66 prospect in baseball entering 2026) and righty Brandon Sproat to Milwaukee. While New York won't recoup that same value in a deadline deal, Peralta would likely be the best starting pitcher available on the market this summer, ensuring a strong return.
Peralta has repeatedly expressed interest in signing a contract extension, and any team that trades for him could try to lock him up long-term before he hits free agency. The Mets themselves could also explore an extension before pulling the trigger on a deal. If New York does decide to sell, expect the Cubs—and likely several other contenders—to be lining up for the chance to add a proven ace to their rotation.