New ace Peralta gets Opening Day nod for Mets
This browser does not support the video element.
JUPITER, Fla. -- The Mets wasted no time in naming Freddy Peralta their Opening Day starter, making the announcement before Peralta's Grapefruit League debut Friday against the Cardinals.
Peralta, who came to the Mets in a January trade with the Brewers, will start March 26 against the Pirates (1:15 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock), likely opposite reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes.
Peralta finished fifth in National League Cy Young Award voting in his final year in Milwaukee, going 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA over 33 starts.
He earned the Mets' Opening Day nod over Nolan McLean, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, David Peterson and Kodai Senga, who could all be part of the team's rotation.
“As soon as we acquired him, it was pretty clear that he was going to be pitching at the front of our rotation,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He earned it. He’s done it. I’m excited, and we are all excited.”
Peralta, who makes $8 million this year, will be eligible for free agency following the 2026 season.