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NewsLos Angeles TimesOctober 25, 2026Los Angeles County

Column: Pitcher Freddy Peralta's turnaround with the Tampa Bay Rays challenges baseball conventional wisdom

Photo: Los Angeles Times

This sports column examines how pitcher Freddy Peralta rebounded from poor performance with the New York Mets to star for the Tampa Bay Rays in the postseason. It details his performance trajectory across three teams and questions preseason expectations for player trades and free agency.

BaseballSports AnalysisMajor League Baseball
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times

Why It Matters

A player's performance changes dramatically depending on team mechanics and coaching adjustments, altering postseason outcomes and future player contract values.

Key Facts

  • Freddy Peralta was named American League Championship Series MVP after joining the Tampa Bay Rays.
  • During his stint with the New York Mets, Peralta recorded a 4.99 ERA and a negative WAR, with an ERA exceeding 6.00 in each of the two months preceding the trade deadline.
  • With the Tampa Bay Rays, Peralta recorded an 0.79 ERA in his last six regular season starts and a 1.07 ERA in the postseason.
  • The Milwaukee Brewers traded Peralta as he approached free agency, following their routine practice of trading All-Star pitchers for prospects.
  • With Milwaukee last year, Peralta went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA, leading the National League in victories and posting a 5.5 WAR.
  • The Tampa Bay Rays adjusted Peralta's mechanics by letting him pitch from the stretch and modifying his delivery to start from the third-base side of the rubber.
  • The Mets finished in last place despite having the largest Opening Day payroll of any major league team.

Who's Mentioned

PersonCristopher Sanchez“Philadelphia Phillies pitcher”PersonCorbin Burnes“All-Star pitcher”PersonPaul Skenes“Cy Young winner and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher”OrganizationTampa Bay Rays“Major League Baseball team”PersonEstuery Ruiz“Outfielder”PersonDevin Williams“All-Star pitcher”PersonRobert Gasser“Game 3 starting pitcher”OrganizationSan Diego Padres“Major League Baseball team”PersonWilliam Contreras“All-Star catcher”PersonKevin Gausman“Starting pitcher”OrganizationDodgers“Major League Baseball team”OrganizationMilwaukee Brewers“Major League Baseball team”PersonKevin Cash“Tampa Bay Rays manager”PersonPat Murphy“Brewers manager”PersonJoey Ortiz“Infielder”PersonChris Sale“Pitcher for the Atlanta Braves”OrganizationAtlanta Braves“Major League Baseball team”OrganizationChicago Cubs“Major League Baseball team”PersonJose Soriano“Starting pitcher”PersonJosh Hader“All-Star pitcher”OrganizationPhiladelphia Phillies“Major League Baseball team”PersonDL Hall“Pitcher”PersonCasey Mize“Starting pitcher”PersonFreddy Peralta“Professional baseball pitcher traded between teams”OrganizationPittsburgh Pirates“Major League Baseball team”PersonRobbie Ray“Starting pitcher”OrganizationToronto Blue Jays“Major League Baseball team”OrganizationNew York Mets“Major League Baseball team”PersonLogan Henderson“Rookie pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers”PersonTarik Skubal“Starting pitcher”PersonClay Holmes“Starting pitcher”