NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 25: Freddy Peralta #51 of the New York Mets warms up before the first inning at Citi Field on June 25, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Getty Images

The New York Mets might have had a difficult time watching Freddy Peralta enjoy his postseason success after a disappointing stint with the franchise.

The right-hander entered this past season with considerable expectations after arriving from the Milwaukee Brewers, but his first season in Queens did not unfold as anticipated. After spending much of his career establishing himself as a dependable starting pitcher in Milwaukee, Peralta struggled to provide the Mets with the results they expected and he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, who quickly fixed his issues.

Now, with several teams likely interested in signing him to a nine-figure contract following his return to form, speculation about where Peralta could land is growing. And a prominent former Mets executive has offered a definitive assessment of his former team’s chances or bringing him back.

New York Mets Former Rules Out Freddy Peralta Reunion, Touts Atlanta Braves Fit

“Atlanta, I feel like, is a really good fit for him,” Jim Duquette, who served as the Mets general manager in 2003, said of Peralta during a recent appearance on MLB Network Radio. “I know the Mets think there’s a shot, I’m going to just give some free advice: Zero-point-zero-zero-zero-zero percent chance that he would go back to the Mets. He’s not going back.”

While Duquette seemed confident the Mets have at least some interest in reuniting with Peralta, there’s good reason to be dubious. Peralta recorded a 4.99 ERA across 22 starts with the Mets, then improved to a 3.25 ERA in 10 starts with the Rays before helping the organization make a postseason run. He would likely be hesitant to return to the team that traded him away.

New York Mets Rival Atlanta Braves Emerge As Compelling Freddy Peralta Fit

Duquette’s suggestion that Atlanta could be a particularly strong destination also makes sense on the surface, particularly as the Braves should be targeting a new frontline option to pair with Chris Sale.

“The Braves enter this winter seeking another starting pitcher,” Gabriel Burnes reported for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “They failed to make a significant rotation addition last winter, though the team outpitched expectations throughout a 94-win regular season. But with numerous uncertainties, including injuries and youth, it’d behoove the club to make a legitimate rotation addition.”

Peralta could provide precisely the type of established rotation presence Atlanta is seeking. At 30 years old, he has experience pitching in meaningful games and has demonstrated the ability to regain his form after a difficult stretch.

The Braves also reportedly pursued Peralta before Milwaukee traded him to the Mets last winter, according to Burns. That previous interest could make Atlanta a particularly interesting destination as the right-hander evaluates his next opportunity and almost certainly looks to steer clear of the Mets.