Cubs Make Early Move in Pursuit of Starting Pitching, Target Freddy Peralta

The Chicago Cubs have begun exploring the trade market for starting pitching after losing three key starters to injury, with early interest reportedly directed toward New York Mets right-hander Freddy Peralta. While the Mets have not yet entertained offers, the move highlights the Cubs’ proactive approach to reinforcing their rotation as they continue to lead the majors with a 26-12 record.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is aware of the team’s injury-riddled rotation. Cade Horton is done for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Justin Steele, the club’s ace, has also suffered a setback in his UCL rehab and will miss the rest of the All-Star break. Starter Matthew Boyd is expected to miss around six weeks after undergoing surgery for a partial meniscus tear. These injuries have forced the Cubs to rely on Shota Imanaga and a group of righties including Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, Ben Brown and Colin Rea.

Peralta, 29, has been a consistent performer for the Mets this season, posting a 3.12 ERA across 43 1/3 innings. He has a 23.2% strikeout rate and is inducing grounders at a career-high 43.7% rate. Despite his strong start, the Mets remain in the NL East cellar at 14-23 and are tied with the Giants for the worst record in baseball. They are six and a half games back of the final Wild Card spot but still have a 77% of the season remaining.

The Cubs and Peralta have a connection. Peralta was acquired from the Brewers in a trade that sent Brandon Sproat and prospect Jett Williams to Milwaukee. Cubs manager Craig Counsell worked with Peralta in Milwaukee, but the deal would ultimately be decided by the front office, not the manager.

The Mets are reportedly not interested in aggressive sell-side trades yet, but Peralta is a clear trade candidate. He is earning $8 million this season and is projected to test free agency after the season. If he signs elsewhere after rejecting a qualifying offer, the Mets would receive a compensatory pick after the fourth round, a less valuable asset than for non-luxury tax payors.

Peralta’s contract and potential trade value could drive a midseason deal if the Mets fall further behind. The Cubs will continue to monitor the market as the trade deadline approaches in mid-July. For now, the focus remains on the Mets’ ability to improve and whether they will hold or sell in the coming weeks.