The New York Mets are among the teams showing interest in Wandy Peralta, the southpaw for the Yankees, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Entering his age-32 season, Peralta was able to have a 2.83 ERA in 54 innings pitched for the Yankees prior to sustaining a tricep injury that ended his season in late September. Since being traded from the San Francisco Giants back in 2021, the dependable left-hander has been fantastic for the Bronx Bombers, amassing 133 strikeouts in 153 innings with a 2.82 ERA.
Wandy Peralta’s return was something the Yankees had expressed interest in early this winter, but Gonzalez’s trade could have changed their focus to other names available.
Mets and Yankees Shopping For Pitching
Following their unsuccessful attempts to sign Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both teams are now in a pivotal position, searching the free-agent market for alternatives. Both teams are interested in bolstering their bullpen and rotation, though it’s unclear if the Yankees have given up on Wandy Peralta. The absence of trustworthy rotation arms is one of the main problems on both squads, but the Bronx Bombers appear more eager to add players at the top of the market, while the Mets see 2025 as a rebuilding year following a 75-87 record.
Harrison Bader, a native of New York, has also joined the Mets on a one-year $10 million contract in an attempt to strengthen their centerfield defense. The pact gives Bader a chance to regain his value following an injury-plagued 2023 campaign. In an effort to secure a spot in the team’s rotation permanently and restore some of his worth, Sean Manaea also reached an agreement to sign a two-year contract with the Mets. FanGraphs projects the Mets as one of the top five teams in the National League, indicating their strong belief in the squad.
The Baltimore Orioles, who have a far stronger farm system than either team, are involved in the Dylan Cease trade, so it’s uncertain if the Yankees or Mets will have a realistic chance to acquire the right-hander. Deals involving pitchers like Shane Bieber or Jesus Luzardo, who might both fit into the middle of the Yankees’ rotation and provide them with a front-line option, are also of interest to them.
The Marlins and the Mets were reportedly in talks to trade for one of Miami’s young pitchers in exchange for infielder Brett Baty last winter. These discussions would probably be seen somewhat differently given that the Marlins not only added Chicago White Sox player Jake Burger, who hit nine home runs for the team after the trade deadline for a 131 wRC+, but also finished the season with 34 HRs and a.828 OPS, providing much-needed power in the middle of their lineup.
Both teams may have enough to offer to complete a deal, and the Marlins might still be interested in middle infield assistance. The Marlins’ assessment of Oswald Peraza as a starting option or utilityman may change what the Marlins are ready to give up in order to acquire him, but Peraza could provide the Yankees with immediate utility as their starting shortstop thanks to his superb glove and speed.
Given the amazing play of Francisco Lindor and the rise of Jett Williams, who reached Double-A in his first complete season with the team at the age of 19, Luisangel Acuña may not be needed by the Mets. Given his difficulties at the plate with the Marlins’ Double-A affiliate in Binghamton, it’s unknown if the franchise will view Acuña as a near-MLB ready infielder, but both New York teams will probably continue to pursue a starting pitcher trade.
Pitching has taken on more importance for the two clubs, but it’s still unclear how they plan to acquire players at this time.
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