Mets give Opening Day nod to RHP Freddy Peralta

Field Level Media|published: Fri 27th February, 16:07 2026

Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Right-hander Freddy Peralta will not have to wait long to make his New York Mets debut after he was named Opening Day starter by manager Carlos Mendoza on Friday.

Peralta, who was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers last month in a trade for two top prospects, is set to take the mound March 26 at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"When we acquired him, it was pretty clear that he was going to be pitching at the front of our rotation," Mendoza said. "He earned it. I'm excited. We're all excited."

In a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, Peralta did not allow a hit over three innings with three strikeouts and no walks.

Peralta, 29, was 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA in 33 starts for the Brewers last season. His 17 wins led the National League.

A two-time All-Star who finished fifth in NL Cy Young Award voting in 2025, Peralta is 70-42 with a 3.59 ERA in 211 career appearances (162 starts) for the Brewers since 2018.

--Field Level Media

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