Rays Trade Deadline Acquisition Playing Way Out of Playoff Spot

The Tampa Bay Rays have to be disappointed with the production of an MLB trade deadline acquisition.

Mar 30, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; A detailed view of the Tampa Bay Rays hat at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Tampa Bay Rays made several moves ahead of the MLB trade deadline in an effort to fortify their roster for the stretch run of the season.

As the owners of the best record in the American League, it made a ton of sense to go for it this year. Their path to the World Series was as open as ever, so the front office operated as clear-cut buyers, which was the correct move.

However, not all the moves have panned out as well as the team had hoped they would. Catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks has been excellent, providing the kind of production at the plate the team knew he could, offering elite protection behind their Big 3 of designated hitter Yandy Diaz, first baseman Jonathan Aranda and third baseman Junior Caminero.

In the bullpen, right-handed relief pitcher Tyler Wells has been lights out. He has helped solidify the bridge to star closer Bryan Baker, who is in the midst of a historic run saving games.

Freddy Peralta has not met expectations with Rays

Aug 21, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) throws during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Alas, their other acquisition, starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, has not gone according to plan just yet. He has struggled mightily thus far, which is putting his odds of being part of the Rays’ playoff rotation in doubt.

With the New York Mets, Peralta struggled mightily. He had a 4.99 ERA and -0.4 bWAR, but there was hope that Tampa Bay could get him back on track. In 2025, he led the National League with 17 wins while pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers and had a bWAR of 5.5

Unfortunately, he has gotten worse with the Rays. Through four starts, Peralta has a 7.17 ERA across 21.1 innings of work to go along with 16 strikeouts and six walks. He has a brutal ERA+ of 59 and a FIP of 5.79.

There is a bit of a caveat to that production, as his first two starts came in brutal situations on the road. His debut was against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field and then against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park, both hitter havens.

He should be given some slack for having to throw in both of those stadiums, but he wasn’t much better on the road in his latest start against the Baltimore Orioles, when he gave up five runs in seven innings of work.

Rays need more from Freddy Peralta

Aug 16, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In the only start he made at Tropicana Field, he allowed only one hit through 4.2 innings of work, but was charged two earned runs when Garrett Cleavinger allowed both inherited runners to score when he was summoned from the bullpen.

Given the form he has shown thus far in Tampa Bay, Peralta isn’t someone that manager Kevin Cash would consider to start a playoff game. He is certainly behind Drew Rasmussen and Nick Martinez.

If Shane McClanahan and Griffin Jax are healthy, both have thrown the ball better than Peralta. Ian Seymour has also been excellent as the No. 5 starter, stepping up with the team battling injuries.

In an ideal world, Peralta would make this a difficult decision for Cash to make because he is performing well. But right now, it is hard to envision him even holding onto a rotation spot when Jax is healthy and the rotation is at full strength.