The Tampa Bay Rays have made a significant move to bolster their rotation, acquiring right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets in a trade that sent minor-league outfielder Aidan Smith, infielder Émilien Pitre, and right-handed pitcher Gary Gill Hill to New York.
Peralta, 30, has struggled this season with a 4.99 ERA in 22 starts and 113 ⅔ innings, but his pedigree as a former NL Cy Young voting finisher and ability to consistently take the ball every fifth day without incident make him an attractive addition to the Rays' rotation. He'll join a group that includes Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez, and Griffin Jax, who are currently leading the AL East with a 3 ½-game lead over the New York Yankees.
The Rays' rotation depth chart has been a concern this season, with 11 different starters used, including openers. However, with Peralta's addition, the team's rotation now looks more solid, with McClanahan's injury considered minor and Pepiot done for the season. Peralta is expected to bump Seymour back to the bullpen, where he did his best work as a multi-inning lefty.
Tampa has a four-game lead on the loss column in the AL East and a comfortable 11-game lead in the loss column on a postseason berth in general. Peralta will give them innings as they look to secure the division title and thus a Wild Card Series bye. He'll then factor into their postseason rotation, and they acquired him at an easy-to-swallow price.
The Mets, who acquired Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers over the winter, had high hopes for the righty but were disappointed by his poor performance this season. The team traded two promising prospects, Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams, to get him, and now they're sending him to the Rays for three solid but not amazing prospects. According to MLB Pipeline, the Mets received Tampa's No. 15, No. 26, and No. 27 prospects for Peralta.
The trade has been widely panned by Mets fans, who feel the team took a step back by trading away prospects and getting a pitcher who hasn't lived up to expectations. However, the Mets are expected to continue to sell off pieces in the coming weeks, with rental starter Clay Holmes and rental lefty Brooks Raley likely to be traded next.
The Rays, on the other hand, are optimistic about the addition of Peralta, who they believe can be a key contributor to their rotation down the stretch. With the team looking to secure a division title and avoid a one-game playoff, Peralta's experience and ability to consistently take the ball every fifth day without incident make him a valuable asset.
The Rays will look to deploy Peralta in their rotation, potentially bumping Seymour back to the bullpen. They'll also consider using Jax and Martinez in relief roles, depending on the needs of the team in the postseason. With Peralta now on board, the Rays' rotation is looking more solid, and they're one step closer to securing a division title.
Source: CBS