- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,243,319
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 26: Freddy Peralta #51 of the New York Mets throws a pitch during the third inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field on July 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On the eve of the 2026 MLB trade deadline, the Tampa Bay Rays have bolstered their starting rotation by acquiring right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets in exchange for three prospects: OF Aidan Smith, INF Emilien Pitre, and RHP Gary Gill Hill.
Peralta, 30, was acquired by the Mets prior to the start of the 2026 season. The veteran hurler had been the ace of the Milwaukee Brewers for several years prior to the trade. Unfortunately, Peralta’s time in Flushing has been less than ideal, compiling a 4.99 ERA | 4.45 FIP over 22 starts during his Mets’ tenure. During his time Milwaukee from 2020 through 2025, Peralta was stellar, compiling a 3.33 ERA | 3.60 FIP; the Rays hope to get this version of the veteran hurler.
Heading to New York are three prospects.
Outfielder Aidan Smith was acquired by the Rays as part of the return for Randy Arozarena at the 2024 trade deadline. There was hope that he’d develop into a premier prospect and looked on his way to doing so registering a 158 wRC+ immediately following the trade. However, Smith has been unable to rise past High-A and holds a 68 wRC+ on the season.
Infielder Emilien Pitre was the Rays 2nd round pick in 2024 and has been an above-average offensive perfomer since joining the Rays organization thanks to an excellent ability to draw walks which significantly boosts his on-base percentage. He recently received a promotion to Double-A where he was hitting .323/.451/.492 over 163 plate appearances.
Gary Gill Hill at one time was among Baseball America’s top 100 prospects but he has been unable to take that next step in his development and has since seen his prospect status plummet. Gill Hill was originally selected by the Rays in the 6th round of the 2022 draft, meaning he’d be eligible for the Rule 5 draft this offseason. The 21-year old was in Double-A and had a 4.49 ERA | 4.60 FIP over 108.1 IP.
Continue reading...
