Skip to main content
Jays Journal
FanSided

Blue Jays cannot let Freddy Peralta’s nightmare Mets stint scare them away from offseason pursuit

Freddy Peralta’s larger body of work—and his dominant resurgence with the Rays—shows why Toronto should pursue him aggressively.
ByMichael DeRosa
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Oct 13, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) reacts after pitching against the Cleveland Guardians during the sixth inning in game two of the ALCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) reacts after pitching against the Cleveland Guardians during the sixth inning in game two of the ALCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

One of the Toronto Blue Jays' top goals this offseason should be to strengthen their pitching rotation.

While they acquired starting pitcher José Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels during the season, it is clear that they could still use another high-impact pitcher. There will also be holes to fill with pending free agent starters Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer not expected to return to Toronto next season.

When looking at this year's free agents, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Freddy Peralta stands out as a fascinating option for the Blue Jays to target. While he had a nightmare tenure with the New York Mets earlier this season, he has undoubtedly bounced back in a major way since being traded to the Rays.

In 10 regular-season starts for Tampa Bay after the trade, Peralta had a 5-2 record and 3.25 ERA. However, he has been simply dominant for the Rays during the playoffs, as he has a 1-0 record and a 0.79 ERA in three appearances. This included him pitching six scoreless innings in Game 2 against the Cleveland Guardians, where he allowed just four hits and struck out six batters.

Peralta has also allowed one earned run or fewer in each of his last nine appearances dating back to Aug. 26. He has been fantastic for Tampa Bay, and the Blue Jays should strongly try to poach him from their AL East rival this offseason because of it.

If the Blue Jays signed Peralta and he maintained his elite form, he would be a massive addition to the front half of their pitching rotation. This would be huge for a Blue Jays team that wants to bounce back and be a playoff team again next year.

Freddy Peralta's resume also adds to his appeal for the Blue Jays

Although some may worry about signing Peralta because of how he struggled with the Mets, his past success also adds to his appeal. As recently as the 2025 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, Peralta had a 17-6 record, a 2.70 ERA, and 204 strikeouts.

Peralta also posted an ERA under 4.00 each season from 2020 to 2025. This also included the two-time All-Star having an ERA under 3.00 twice over that span. Peralta entered 2026 as an incredibly consistent starter over the last six seasons and the Blue Jays should focus more on that sample size than the 113.2 innings he pitched with the Mets in 2026.

It will be interesting to see if the Blue Jays pursue Peralta this offseason. With Toronto needing pitching help, Peralta would arguably give them one of the best rotations in the division. With Dylan Cease, José Soriano and Trey Yesavage making up the foundation, a player like Peralta raises that floor.

Add us as a preferred source on Google