The New York Mets have finalized a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, acquiring right-handed starting pitcher Freddy Peralta and right-handed swingman Tobias Myers. In return, the Brewers received prospects Jett Williams, an infielder/outfielder, and right-handed pitcher Brandon Sproat. The transaction was announced on Wednesday night.
Trade Overview and Roster Moves
Following the trade, the Mets designated right-hander Cooper Criswell for assignment. For the Brewers, Brandon Sproat will occupy a spot on the 40-man roster, while Jett Williams has not yet been added to their 40-man roster. Discussions leading up to the trade were characterized as "serious," and earlier reports indicated that Milwaukee had sought Williams and Sproat. The Mets had reportedly declined previous Brewers' interest in pitching prospect Jonah Tong.
Freddy Peralta: Acquired for Mets Rotation
Freddy Peralta, 28, is expected to join the Mets' primary starting rotation. In his most recent season, he pitched 176 2/3 innings, recording a 2.70 earned run average, a 28.2% strikeout rate, and a 9.1% walk rate, which led to a fifth-place finish in National League Cy Young Award balloting. His underlying metrics have remained consistent over five seasons as a full-time starter.
Peralta's pitch repertoire includes a fastball that typically registers between 94-95 MPH, complemented by a changeup and breaking balls, including a slider used against right-handed hitters. He has avoided the injured list for three consecutive years, during which he has ranked among league leaders in starts and innings pitched. Peralta is one of two pitchers to record 200 or more strikeouts in each of the last three seasons.
Peralta is currently in the final year of his contract, playing on the second of two $8 million club options. The Mets will assume this salary along with an associated $8.8 million luxury tax hit. He is projected to become a free agent before his age-31 season. Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, who previously worked with Peralta in Milwaukee, has stated the club intends to allow Peralta time to acclimate before pursuing a potential long-term extension.
Tobias Myers: Versatile Pitching Option
Tobias Myers, a 27-year-old right-hander, is anticipated to serve in a swing role for the Mets, potentially making starts throughout the season. He has performed for Milwaukee over the past two years, holding a rotation spot for most of his rookie season. As a rookie, he started 25 of 27 games, achieving a 3.00 ERA over 138 innings, with a 22.3% strikeout rate and a 6.3% walk rate. An oblique strain affected his early performance last season, which he concluded with a 3.55 ERA across 50 2/3 frames, with similar statistics recorded in Triple-A.
Myers' fastball typically ranges from 93-94 MPH. His pitch mix includes a cutter, slider, and a changeup that was adapted into a splitter last season, which demonstrated positive results against left-handed hitters. He has between one and two years of major league service time and remains under club control through 2030, retaining a minor league option.
Prospects Acquired by Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Brewers acquired two prospects, both of whom were included on Baseball America's Top 100 prospects list:
- Jett Williams: A 21-year-old right-handed hitter and a 2022 first-round draft pick. Williams possesses athleticism, speed, and arm strength. In the upper minors last season, he recorded 17 home runs and 34 stolen bases with a .261/.363/.465 batting line across 572 plate appearances. He is noted for a patient hitting approach and has experience playing shortstop, second base, and center field.
- Brandon Sproat: A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher drafted in the second round in 2023. He debuted last year, making four starts. In Triple-A, Sproat posted a 4.24 ERA across 121 innings, with a 22.1% strikeout rate and a 10.4% walk rate. His pitch mix includes a sinker and four-seam fastball in the 96-97 MPH range, along with a changeup and slider. Scouting reports suggest potential for an average or better starter role.
Team Context and Roster Outlook
New York Mets:
Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns has stated the team's intention to acquire a starter, while noting a preference against long-term free-agent commitments. The current rotation candidates for the Mets include Peralta, Nolan McLean, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, and Kodai Senga. Stearns expects Senga, who recorded a 2.98 ERA in 2023 but missed much of 2024 due to injury and was optioned to the minors in September, to be part of the starting rotation. The team may consider a six-man rotation or moving a pitcher to the bullpen if all remain healthy, with injuries potentially creating opportunities for pitchers like Myers, Jonah Tong, and Christian Scott.
Additionally, outfield prospect Carson Benge is still considered to have an opportunity to secure a roster spot, potentially competing for the left field position. Benge performed in High-A and Double-A, with a brief Triple-A stint. Other outfield options include Brett Baty, Vidal Bruján, Jared Young, Cristian Pache, and Ji Hwan Bae.
Milwaukee Brewers:
The Brewers typically engage in trades involving veteran players nearing free agency. Following a 97-win season and an NLCS appearance, the team projects to compete for an NL Central title. The addition of Brandon Woodruff back into the pitching staff contributed to the team's comfort in trading Peralta. The Brewers project their payroll around $126 million, providing room for additional roster moves. Peralta had been a two-time All-Star and played a role in seven playoff teams for the Brewers.