The New York Mets are in the market for a starting pitcher, and ideally, it would be a veteran who can help lead the rotation in 2026.
While they could be involved in the free agent market for Ranger Suarez or Framber Valdez, the Mets are also involved in the trade market. Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers is one potential target.
And according to Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Mets got some good news on a Peralta trade. While the Brewers' asking price is lofty, an MLB-ready pitcher, Nolan McLean, isn't expected to be involved.
Mets can trade for Freddy Peralta without Nolan McLean
"Of the clubs in the mix for Peralta," Rosenthal and Sammon write, "the New York Mets might be in the best position to part with a prize young arm - and they can do it without offering top prospect Nolan McLean.
Landing Peralta, who's coming off a career-year in 2025 with 17 wins, a 2.70 ERA, and a very strogn 5.5 bWAR on the season, won't be cheap.
The Brewers are reportedly seeking an MLB-ready, young pitching talent, and for the Mets, McLean fits the bill perfectly.
But, as Sammon and Rosenthal report, he's not needed in the Mets' potential trade talks. Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat could be on the move instead, while Christian Scott might be an option as well.
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Regardless of how the Mets try to work a deal out, based on this report, it doesn't look like Peralta coming to the Mets will require McLean to head to Milwaukee.
The Mets are scouring the market for starting pitching, and the Brewers' asking price of a young starter fits with their organizational depth and could make for a sensible trade this winter.
Fortunately, they won't have to part with McLean, their top prospect, and the pitcher who broke out in the biggest way this past season.
Adding Peralta would be a great addition to the rotation, and based on this report from Sammon and Rosenthal, the Mets won't have to part with McLean to get such a trade across the finish line.
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