MLB trade rumors: Chicago Cubs linked to Freddy Peralta as Mets face growing pressure before crucial June trade decision

The New York Mets may already be thinking about a major change less than two months into the 2026 season. According to 670 The Score, the Chicago Cubs are one of the teams that have talked with the Mets about a possible trade for starting pitcher Freddy Peralta. The report also said New York plans to use June 1 as an important checkpoint before deciding whether to push for the playoffs or become sellers before the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline.

Right now, the Mets are in a difficult spot. They entered Friday with a 14-23 record, the worst in baseball, and sat 6.5 games behind the final National League wild-card position. That slow start has already created pressure inside the organization. If things do not improve quickly, moving Freddy Peralta could become one of the biggest stories of the summer because several contenders are expected to look for pitching help.

Freddy Peralta could become a perfect fit for Chicago Cubs as New York Mets face difficult trade deadline decision

The Cubs make a lot of sense as a possible landing spot. Chicago has been one of the hottest teams in baseball lately, winning nine straight games to move to 26-12 and first place in the NL Central. But while the team keeps winning, the pitching staff continues to take hits.

Matthew Boyd recently suffered a knee injury while playing with his kids and needed surgery. Justin Steele is still recovering from elbow surgery and recently had a setback. Cade Horton is already out for the season after elbow surgery as well. Because of those injuries, the Cubs have had to keep changing their rotation.

When Ben Brown starts against the Texas Rangers on Friday, he will become the ninth different Cubs pitcher to start a game this season. Only two MLB teams have used more starters so far this year. That explains why Chicago is looking closely at Freddy Peralta.

The Cubs also know Peralta very well from his years with the Milwaukee Brewers. Cubs manager Craig Counsell worked with him for several seasons in Milwaukee, which gives Chicago extra confidence about what kind of pitcher and teammate he is.

Peralta, who turns 30 next month, can become a free agent after the season. That makes him a natural trade candidate if the Mets decide to sell. New York traded top prospect Jett Williams and pitcher Brandon Sproat to Milwaukee for Peralta and Tobias Myers during the offseason, so the front office gave up a lot to get him.

There is also another name to watch. If the Mets become sellers, right-hander Clay Holmes could also hit the market. Holmes has pitched even better than Peralta this season and can opt out of his contract after the year.

For now, the Mets still have time to turn things around. But with only 22 games left in May, the pressure is growing fast in New York.



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