Blue Jays trade for Mets' $15M Cy Young arm, All-Star to supercharge World Series aspirations originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Mets are off to a slow start this season, which was not expected after what many viewed as a strong offseason. Their biggest goal entering the year was rebounding from last season’s collapse, when they went from being one of the best teams in baseball to missing the playoffs altogether.
This season, the Mets have battled injuries, much like the Atlanta Braves did earlier in the year. If the struggles continue, it would not be surprising to see New York become sellers at the trade deadline.
“This is why the Mets soon may be the center of attention once they realize that this season is a lost cause, letting their rivals know they are open for business. They have three of the top trade chips in the game in starters Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes and infielder Bo Bichette,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.
If the Mets begin trading away talent, one of the most sought-after names will likely be Freddy Peralta. The Toronto Blue Jays should immediately be among the teams showing interest.
“Alcántara would be a better target because of the fact that he has another year of control. Peralta is going to be a free agent after the season. But the Mets are a disaster and the Blue Jays' championship window is open. The Blue Jays can't let it slip. Adding someone like Peralta would surely help,” SI’s Patrick McAvoy wrote.
The Blue Jays did not have the offseason they hoped for after missing out on several major targets. However, Toronto also could not have predicted the injuries that would hit its starting rotation.
Peralta is exactly the type of arm the Blue Jays should target after he led the National League in wins last season. He would likely be a rental unless Toronto could work out a long-term extension, but the move could still be worthwhile. Peralta is currently playing on a $15 million contract for the remainder of the season.
The Blue Jays are trying to position themselves for a return to the World Series, and adding an accomplished pitcher would be a strong step in that direction. Peralta has finished in the top five of the Cy Young voting during his career and is a two-time All-Star.
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