The New York Mets and Freddy Peralta were reportedly hopeful that the sides would be able to agree to an extension before Thursday’s opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Neither of them got their wish prior to Peralta’s first outing of the year. The 30-year-old ace gave up four earned runs in five innings against the Pirates, but his extension value wouldn’t change whether he threw a perfect game or he didn’t get out of the first inning like Paul Skenes.
“No comments,” Peralta told Mets reporters, per on Wednesday.
While it doesn’t mean Peralta still isn’t interested in staying with the Mets, Sammon noted that it’s an uphill battle from here for the sides to find common ground.
“While Opening Day served as the starting line for Peralta with the Mets, it may have also represented the finish line for extension talks,” Sammon wrote. “Initially hopeful for an extension, Peralta saying ‘No comments’ on the eve of pitching five innings in the Mets’ 11-7 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday almost certainly was meant to signal it was time to eliminate the distraction of his contract situation. It’s reasonable to conclude at this point that any contract negotiations between the sides have been tabled, likely until free agency after the season.”
Offseason reports revealed Peralta and his agent are looking for a seven-year deal. However, David Stearns is reportedly skeptical of signing starters to long-term extensions. The Mets front office, as Sammon noted, also allowed Pete Alonso to test free agency twice and allowed Edwin Diaz to walk at the end of last season as well.
Based on Sammon’s report and how the Mets have done things recently, the only hope for Peralta to stay in Queens may be a short-term contract with a high AAV with opt-outs after each season — just like the organization did with Bo Bichette.
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