New York Mets Mets face important question after two pitchers turn seasons around on new teams By Mike Puma Published Sep. 2, 2026, 7:48 p.m. ET New York Mets pitching coach Justin Willard speaks to players during spring training at Clover Field on Feb. 10, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Did the Mets miss something?
Freddy Peralta and David Peterson began this season as 40 percent of the team’s starting rotation, floundered and were traded, for one reason or another. Both have resurrected their seasons in new locales, begging the question of whether the Mets somehow overlooked a potential remedy for the pitchers’ struggles.
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Peralta pitched a gem Tuesday, when he allowed one earned run over six innings for the Rays to get the victory against his former team. It continued a surge for the right-hander, who has a 3.03 ERA over his past five starts following a clunker in his first outing after the Mets traded him Aug. 3. Peralta had a 4.99 ERA in his 22 starts for the Mets.
Peterson’s turnaround with the Cubs has also been noteworthy. The lefty had a 6.09 ERA in his 16 appearances for the Mets this season. He entered Wednesday — as the scheduled Cubs starting pitcher against the Brewers — with a 3.90 ERA in his 11 appearances since leaving the Mets.
