Freddy Peralta's last start before everything changes

Six months ago the Mets traded for Freddy Peralta expecting a rotation upgrade. Instead they got a 5-9 record and a 4.99 ERA, and now they're the ones fielding calls about him. That's how fast things move in this sport, and how little patience contenders have for a down year from a guy making real money.

MLB Trade Rumors

@mlbtraderumors

Latest On Freddy Peralta's Market t.co/Oqb9vlU7Pl

The market cracked open this week. Jon Heyman reported there wasn't much traction in talks to send Peralta back to Milwaukee, but noted the field is getting crowded — some evaluators reportedly think his rough year has as much to do with the Mets' defense behind him as it does with his own stuff.

Jon Heyman

@JonHeyman

Not much traction so far in Peralta-back-to-the-Brewers talks. Fluid situation but multiple other teams are more involved now. Some teams believe Peralta’s off year is partly the fault of the Mets (and Mets defense), which may help the Mets

That theory matters if you're a rival GM, because it means the arm might be better than the numbers. San Diego and Arizona have both sent scouts to check, according to MLB Trade Rumors — the Padres have been hunting rotation help all year, and Arizona's staff has been gutted by injuries. Both teams need exactly what Peralta is supposed to be when healthy and right.

MLB Trade Rumors

@mlbtraderumors

Padres, Diamondbacks Scouting Freddy Peralta t.co/G0v0ELcSMH

Which brings everything to today. Mark Feinsand reported Peralta is starting for his current club in what's likely his final outing before Monday's trade deadline, grouping him with Foster Griffin and Casey Mize as pitchers about to make their last start for the team that currently employs them.

Mark Feinsand

@Feinsand

Freddy Peralta, Foster Griffin and Casey Mize all start for their respective teams today in their last outings before Monday's Trade Deadline. It seems likely to be the final start for all three with their current clubs.

Jon Heyman put it even more plainly: the Mets are planning for Peralta to pitch tonight, and this is his last real chance to show he's better than his last few outings — and worth whatever return New York is asking for. It's an audition with a scoreboard attached, and every scout in the building already knows the stakes.

Jon Heyman

@JonHeyman

Mets planning for Freddy Peralta to pitch tonight. That makes sense since this is Peralta’s last chance to show he’s better than his last few starts and worth what the Mets seek.

Whatever happens over these next few innings gets baked into his price tag by Monday. Pitch well and the Padres or Diamondbacks might be willing to eat more of what's owed to get him; struggle again and the Mets could be stuck moving him for pennies on the dollar just to shed the money. Either way, Peralta's next few days look nothing like the ones that got him here.