Rays add veteran Peralta to bolster rotation ahead of deadline

The Rays acquired veteran right-hander Freddy Peralta from the Mets for three minor-leaguers—Aidan Smith, Emilien Pitre and Gary Gill Hill—to shore up a rotation that needs depth with Shane McClanahan on the IL. Peralta, 30, is a two-time All-Star who went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA for Milwaukee in 2025, but has struggled this year (5-9, 4.99 ERA in 22 Mets starts). He’s under the final year of an $8 million extension and will be a free agent after the season. The move comes as Tampa Bay, with the AL’s best record, eyes further upgrades before the Monday deadline, and Fraley was moved to the 60-day injured list to clear a 40-man spot for Peralta; a debut could come as soon as Tuesday in Denver. The Mets acquired Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat for Peralta in January.