Where Things Stand Between the Mets and Freddy Peralta Extension Talks

One of the most intriguing storylines to follow during the New York Mets' 2026 season will be whether the team can agree to a contract extension with star pitcher Freddy Peralta.

Peralta was one of baseball's best pitchers last season, amassing 17 wins and a 2.70 ERA with the Milwaukee Brewers. While giving away top prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams was still a sizable haul, New York likely would have to give up even more in return for Peralta if he wasn't set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

What's more, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns and the rest of New York's front office probably wouldn't have traded for Peralta in the first place if they didn't believe that negotiating a new contract was likely. And while there's still plenty of time to iron out a deal, negotiations haven't gone as smoothly as some might have imagined to this point.

New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Peralta has conveyed that he's open to signing a new deal with the Mets, and is willing to continue negotiations into the season as that's what it takes. But he also has a clear desire for his contract that conflicts with New York's philosophy on paying players.

In a March 19 article, Jon Heyman of the New York Post noted that Peralta is seeking a deal in the seven to eight year range. The Mets would prefer to re-sign him for four or five years, and this difference is why no deal was reached before Opening Day.

Insider Provides Update on Mets-Freddy Peralta Extension Talks

Heyman provided another update on this in a March 31 article. And this isn't one that Mets fans are going to like.

The article wrote that Peralta and the Mets are, "substantially apart on terms", with the contract length still being the main sticking point. Heyman also added that given how far apart the two sides are, the two sides may not talk again until Peralta hits free agency this offseason.

https://t.co/GP0e0ri4B4 MLB notes: Where Mets may turn if they can’t sign Peralta, plus notes on Bo, Cam and an internal ABS system dispute
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 31, 2026

Even if Peralta doesn't return to Citi Field after the 2026 seaso, the silver lining is that this will open doors for the Mets to pursue stars like two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, who will cost a lot more than Peralta would.

Plus, Peralta will be pitching for the Mets throughout the 2026 season. Extension aside, fans should be feeling good about that fact.

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