PORT St. LUCIE — Opening Day starter Freddy Peralta and the Mets have talked enough about a long-term deal to understand the chances to get an extension done before the season are “highly unlikely,” according to people familiar with the discussions.
The big issue is contract length. Peralta told The Post he seeks “seven or eight years.” The Mets, who generally oppose deals of that length, especially for pitchers, are believed more comfortable with something in the range of four years, or perhaps five.
Left-hander Jesús Luzardo and the Phillies just hooked up on a $135 million, five-year deal, which could provide a guidepost for the Mets and Peralta — though Peralta is the more accomplished, consistent pitcher.
This couple-week window before the start of the season is often when deals get done, sometimes for stars heading into their walk year like Peralta and Luzardo, but perhaps even more typically for young phenoms starting their careers.
