‘Great Competitor’ Freddy Peralta Joins Rays’ Already-Strong Rotation

Aug 03, 2026 04:31 AM - 2 hours ago 3

In acquiring Freddy Peralta from the Mets, the Rays tapped into their heavy workplace strategy without giving up a imaginable rated higher than No. 15.

In return for the 30-year-old righthander, Tampa Bay parted pinch a trio of minor leaguers: 22-year-old outfielder Aidan Smith (Rays’ No. 15 prospect), 21-year-old righthanded pitcher Gary Gill Hill (No. 26) and 23-year-old 2nd baseman Emilien Pitre (No. 27).

“We’re excited to invited Freddy Peralta to the Tampa Bay Rays,” said Rays president and caput of shot operations, Erik Neander, successful a statement. “Freddy is simply a proven awesome convention starter pinch high-stakes acquisition and a beardown way record. Adding a pitcher and competitor of his caliber strengthens our squad arsenic we push forward.”

Peralta, who was acquired by the Mets successful January from Milwaukee, joins an already-strong Tampa Bay rotation. Drew Rasmussen and Nick Martinez, some all-stars, person been among MLB’s champion starters each season. Shane McClanahan has rebounded nicely from missing the past 2 seasons and Griffin Jax, who began this play successful the bullpen, has been effective successful a starting domiciled for the first clip since his rookie play of 2021 erstwhile he was pinch the Twins.

Though desirable to statesman with, a request for a starter was heightened erstwhile McClanahan exited a July 30 commencement against Texas owed to backmost tightness. He was placed connected the 15-day injured list pinch the dream he will miss nary much than a mates of starts. The lefty missed the 2024 and 2025 seasons owed to Tommy John room and a triceps injury, respectively.

The Rays person besides utilized Ian Seymour arsenic a starter and bulk reliever down an opener.

“I americium very excited, surely fixed that (McClanahan) is down, to beryllium capable to slot him in,” said head Kevin Cash, of Peralta, pursuing a 9-1 nonaccomplishment to the White Sox connected Sunday that was arsenic unsightly arsenic the last score.

Peralta, a teammate of Rasmussen’s successful Milwaukee, is simply a two-time all-star who spent 8 seasons pinch the Brewers. His champion showing was past twelvemonth (17-6, 2.70 ERA) erstwhile he led the National League successful wins and was 4th successful ERA. He went 70-42, pinch 3.59 ERA arsenic a Brewer.

Ozzie Timmons was the Brewers’ hitting coach successful Milwaukee for 3 seasons (2022-24) earlier returning for a 2nd stint connected Cash’s unit pinch the Rays. He has plentifulness of bully things to opportunity astir the acquisition, including a comparison to a well-liked shortstop who was pinch Timmons successful Tampa Bay and Milwaukee.

“He’s a awesome teammate, a competitor and he useful hard,” said Tampa Bay’s adjunct hitting coach. “He’s a bully person, a family man, has a batch of energy. He reminds maine of Willy Adames.”

Peralta, a free supplier aft this season, struggled successful Queens successful going 5-9, 4.99. He is making $8 cardinal this play pinch Rays will responsible for a prorated $2.4 million, which should let them to make different moves to fortify the lineup. The mediate of the infield, successful particular, has struggled offensively and pinch precious small power.

After allowing 4 runs successful 5 innings to prime the triumph connected Opening Day successful Pittsburgh, Peralta was winless (0-3) successful six April starts contempt an ERA of 2.97. Beginning pinch a May 29 commencement against Miami and done his last outing pinch New York connected July 26 against the Dodgers, Peralta had a 6.71 ERA successful 11 starts. Alas, that is yesterday’s news arsenic Peralta tin look guardant to joining a stellar rotation and coaching unit that includes pitching guru Kyle Snyder.

“He’s going to emotion this place,” said Jax. “We telephone him “Fastball Freddy” and anytime anybody pinch a bully heater steps connected this mound (at Tropicana Field), it’s mostly beautiful favorable.”

The Rays statesman a nine-game roadworthy travel successful Colorado connected Monday night.