The New York Mets may have pursued Freddy Peralta this offseason for a couple of key reasons. They had the prospect depth needed to make a trade possible, and the free-agent market didn’t offer many ideal options.
However, one topic that will likely continue to surface especially every time Peralta takes the mound is how long he’ll remain with the team. Until he either signs a contract extension or leaves, speculation about his future in New York will persist. While he seems like a logical long-term fit for the Mets, several other pitchers could also fill that role.
Because Peralta is reportedly seeking a contract lasting seven to eight years, the Mets might need to explore other possibilities. Here are five pitchers who could become more affordable or shorter-term alternatives in the future.
1. Trevor Rogers
Trevor Rogers showed flashes of ace-level ability last season with the Baltimore Orioles. The Mets previously showed interest in him around the 2024 trade deadline but ultimately didn’t make a move. After struggling earlier with Baltimore, he rebounded impressively, posting a 1.81 ERA across 18 starts last year. Injuries have affected his career, but he’ll only turn 29 in November. Since his track record isn’t as strong as Peralta’s, Rogers might accept a shorter contract from teams betting on his future potential rather than past inconsistency.
2. Nick Pivetta
Nick Pivetta was on the Mets’ radar during last offseason and again during trade discussions this winter. He’s expected to reach free agency again after this season. Pitching this year at age 33, Pivetta is unlikely to receive a long-term deal, which could benefit the Mets if they remain interested. A two- or three-year contract seems more realistic. Although he’s had only one standout season last year with the San Diego Padres he could still be a solid mid-rotation option paired with another reliable starter.
3. Drew Rasmussen
While the Mets haven’t been directly linked to Drew Rasmussen, there’s an indirect connection: David Stearns previously traded him away when he worked with the Milwaukee Brewers. Rasmussen has since developed with the Tampa Bay Rays, earning a quiet All-Star appearance in 2025 after posting a 2.76 ERA over 31 starts. It was only the second time in his career he surpassed 100 innings in a season. With an $8 million team option for 2027, the Rays are likely to keep him, but he could also become a potential trade target for the Mets.
4. Michael King
Michael King was also rumored as a Mets target before ultimately returning to the San Diego Padres. Like many modern starters, King took time to transition from a bullpen role into a frontline starter. Injuries limited him to just 15 starts last season. Turning 30 in May, he likely won’t command a contract longer than five years, and his average annual salary would probably be lower than what Peralta could receive.
5. Sandy Alcantara
Projecting Sandy Alcantara’s future value is tricky because his performance has been somewhat inconsistent. Still, his $21 million team option for 2027 is reasonable for a pitcher with ace-level potential. For a Mets team willing to give Frankie Montas $17 million over two years, trading for Alcantara at that salary might not be unrealistic. The Miami Marlins will likely pick up his option, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be available in trade talks this season or next.
None of these pitchers may match Peralta’s overall talent. Still, they could offer the Mets more flexibility in both contract length and cost, making them practical alternatives if Peralta’s demands become too steep.
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