The New York Mets entered the 2026 season with sky-high hopes, determined to erase the sting of one of baseball's most infamous collapses last year. But instead of redemption, they've stumbled to one of the worst starts in the league—a nightmare that's already sparking trade rumors around their biggest offseason acquisition.

That acquisition? All-Star right-hander Freddy Peralta, whom the Mets pried from the Milwaukee Brewers last summer in a blockbuster deal. Along with fellow righty Tobias Myers, Peralta was supposed to anchor a rotation built for contention. Instead, New York finds itself buried in the standings, and the front office is now fielding calls about its best arm.

"Peralta is a prime trade chip," wrote FanSided's Robert Murray. "He's an elite clubhouse presence and someone who is highly regarded by his teammates. He's a high-end pitcher who has a career 3.60 ERA in nine major-league seasons. He's also on an expiring contract, and if the Mets want to get something in return in a potential lost season, then trading the right-hander should be on the table."

According to industry sources, the Mets have already begun exploring that option—specifically with the Chicago Cubs. Bruce Levine reported that the Cubs are one of the teams New York has talked to about acquiring Peralta. The connection runs deeper than just need: Peralta shares a strong bond with Cubs manager Craig Counsell, his former skipper in Milwaukee.

For the Cubs, the interest makes perfect sense. Their rotation has been battered by injuries all season, and adding a proven frontline starter like Peralta could be the boost they need to solidify their playoff push. For the Mets, June 1 looms as a critical deadline—a date by which they'll decide whether to climb back into the race or pivot toward selling.

Whether Peralta stays in Queens or trades his blue and orange for Chicago's iconic pinstripes, one thing is clear: this season has already taken an unexpected turn, and the ripple effects could reshape the National League landscape.