Yankees Star Reliever Could Go To Crosstown Rivals in Free Agency
Carlos Mendoza taking the New York Mets' managerial job was surprising on a couple different levels. Not only was a New York Yankees coach going across town to the rival team, but it came during an important offseason for both franchises.
The Yankees are in desperate need of a bounce back season after a horrendous year made the general manager call 2023 a disaster.
The Mets are in the same boat and are looking to turn things around under new leadership in the front office and within the dugout.
As both New York teams look to retool this offseason and get formidable players onto their rosters, it seems like one former Yankee could be a target of the Mets.
Since being acquired by the Yankees in 2021, Wandy Peralta has been one of the best left-handed relievers in the game, recording an ERA of 2.82 across 165 appearances.
In free agency, he is one of the best bullpen pieces available in a fairly weak market this year.
New manager for the Mets, Mendoza, also got a first-hand view of Peralta up close the past few years as the bench coach of the Yankees. He could give his new front office a great scouting report if they're wondering if they should pursue the 32-year-old.
There's been no mention as of now if the Mets are interested in Peralta, but based on the relationships in place since 2021, there's a chance that the two ex-Yankees could reunite wearing different colored jerseys.
Spotrac estimates that he could be worth a little more than $7 million per year, a range that easily fits within the budget of both New York teams.
Where he signs will ultimately come down to who values him more than the other, but if Peralta chooses the Mets over the Yankees, it will be a tough look for the Bronx Bombers.
