Rays make a worthwhile gamble in acquiring Freddy Peralta from Mets: MLB Trade Grades

The Rays acquired right-hander Freddy Peralta from the Mets in a trade graded by MLB Trade Grades, with the exchange centered on pitching and potential rebound value. Mets will receive OF Aidan Smith, INF Emilien Pitre, and RHP Gary Gill Hill, while the Rays get Peralta. The grades reflected expectation that the Mets’ return would be more appealing given Peralta’s “walk year” form and his underperformance, but the Rays’ reputation for remaking struggling arms is key to the deal’s logic. The report notes Peralta’s xERA trends from 2023 to 2026 and a strikeout dip without major velocity or breaking-ball decline. The highest-rated prospect returning is Smith, ranked by Keith Law as the Rays’ No. 19 prospect.