David Stearns got his man. Again.
The Mets' president of baseball operations struck a deal with the Brewers on Wednesday night to acquire two-time All-Star right-hander Freddy Peralta along with right-hander Tobias Myers in exchange for prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat.
It represented a full-circle moment for Stearns.
That's because just over 10 years ago, Stearns -- then Milwaukee's general manager -- acquired a 19-year-old Peralta from the Mariners as part of a package in exchange for first baseman Adam Lind.
Peralta, who made his Major League debut with the Brewers in 2018, blossomed into an ace for Milwaukee. Since being converted into a full-time starter in ’21, he owns a 3.30 ERA with a 29.6% strikeout rate. He also has proven to be durable, making 30 or more starts in each of the past three seasons.
Clearly, Stearns never took his eye off the ball when it came to ensuring Peralta would be pitching for his side again. And now the Mets have the bona fide ace they had been looking for.