Freddy Peralta enters 2026 as either the Mets’ ace or co-ace, depending on how quickly Nolan McLean’s early promise matures.
Oct 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) throws pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during game two of the NLCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
McLean’s talent is evident, but time remains the separator between potential and unquestioned leadership at the top of a rotation.
Beyond those two, uncertainty lingers across the staff entering spring training.
Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea must rebound from underwhelming seasons that tested confidence and durability.
Clay Holmes faces pressure to prove last year’s success was sustainable rather than situational.
David Peterson’s late-season collapse still hangs unanswered over his 2026 outlook.
Against that backdrop, Peralta spoke in St. Lucie with notable restraint.
He described the rotation as talented and potentially very good, nothing more.
That simplicity mattered.
It contrasted sharply with Frankie Montas’ infamous comment last January about having five number-one starters.
Reality quickly dismantled that bravado.
The Mets spent much of 2025 searching for even one reliable ace.
Peralta avoided that trap entirely.
Early spring quotes rarely benefit from boldness, especially in New York.
Measured optimism protects both player and clubhouse from unnecessary scrutiny.
As a newcomer, Peralta understands how easily words become expectations.
Elsewhere in camp, that same restraint has surfaced repeatedly.
Jonah Tong avoided roster proclamations, acknowledging development still ahead.
The overall tone feels noticeably calmer.
That maturity matters after seasons shaped by premature confidence.
The Mets don’t need predictions right now.
They need execution.
And Peralta sounded like he knows it.
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