Freddy Peralta will take the mound for Opening Day on Thursday, a significant honor for his official welcome to the Mets and Citi Field.
Barring something unforeseen, though, the nod will not be paired with an extension that would have opened up the possibility for more Opening Day privileges.
Peralta and the Mets are taking their will-they-won’t-they dance into the regular season. During Wednesday’s workout in Queens, both Peralta and president of baseball operations David Stearns declined comment concerning the possibility of an extension for a two-time All-Star pitcher whom the Mets acquired for a significant prospect package ahead of his walk year.
Peralta, for his part, smiled when giving his latest “no comment,” a persistent wink that has led to some speculation that the two could be working on a new pact.
Stearns clearly likes Peralta — he has acquired him twice, first with the Brewers, after which Stearns and Peralta agreed to a five-year extension in 2020 — and was willing to send top 100 prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat to Milwaukee to bring in what the team hopes is its new ace.
Stearns also does not go deep with many starting pitchers — Sean Manaea’s three-year deal is Stearns’ longest with the Mets — and the 29-year-old Peralta presents an interesting case. He has been as reliable as any starter the past three years, each of which he turned in at least 30 starts while owning a 3.40 ERA.
And for a team whose clubhouse was suspect last season, Peralta arrived with a sparkling reputation that has only been strengthened.
“It’s a big smile, it’s authenticity, it’s love of baseball, appreciation for his teammates, support of his teammates,” Stearns said, “and we’ve seen all of that over the last six, seven weeks in camp.
“And we’re also going to see a really good competitor when he takes the mound. I think that’s sort of the trick with Freddy. He can be this genuine, positive individual, and then when he takes the mound in front of 45,000 people, he’s as competitive as anybody. It’s a lot of fun to watch.”
Peralta has been excited about pitching and living in New York, where the Dominican Republic native has plenty of family, and has been happy with his first months with the club, where “we are all on the same page here. We are all connected,” he said.
These are a couple ingredients that can help when extensions are discussed.
Of course, the pitcher, club and its chemistry will only begin getting tested Thursday against the Pirates and Paul Skenes.
“Very excited, grateful about the opportunity,” Peralta said. “I know it’s going to be great.”