Rays buy low on Freddy Peralta, while the Mets get a fair return

Key Points:

• The Tampa Bay Rays acquired right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets in exchange for three prospects: infielder Émilien Pitre, outfielder Aidan Smith, and right-handed pitcher Gary Gill Hill.
• Peralta, who struggled with command and location of his fastball and changeup in 2026, was an above-average starter as recently as last year, and the Rays believe they can help him regain form.
• Émilien Pitre has shown strong on-base skills and contact ability in Double-A, boasting an impressive walk-to-strikeout ratio, and could develop into an everyday second baseman for the Mets.
• Gary Gill Hill is a projectable young pitcher with solid command but average stuff, while Aidan Smith has struggled offensively in recent years and will need significant improvement to regain prospect status.
• The Mets received a promising everyday player and two pitchers with potential in exchange for Peralta, who has underperformed this season, making it a reasonable return given his current struggles.