Freddy Peralta is beginning to find his footing with the Tampa Bay Rays following a challenging stint with the New York Mets. Acquired by the Rays on August 3 in exchange for prospects Aidan Smith, Gary Gill Hill, and Émilien Pitre, Peralta has shown signs of improvement after a difficult period in New York.

During his time with the Mets, Peralta made 22 starts with a 4.99 ERA, frequently struggling to pitch deep into games. His inability to adjust on the mound despite feeling physically healthy weighed on him. “It was the first time I struggled like that, but I never gave up,” he said Monday at Tropicana Field. “I was always trying to find a way to feel better, to pitch better... but I couldn’t make the adjustment.”

Despite speculation that New York's intense media environment and high expectations contributed to his struggles, Peralta rejected the idea that pressure was a factor. “I don’t see pressure,” he explained. “It’s a way bigger market and there’s a lot more fans, people there, and everybody is paid to win every day. I enjoyed those kinds of moments when I was in New York.”

Since joining Tampa Bay, Peralta has posted a 3.80 ERA over his last four starts, including a six-inning, scoreless performance against the Detroit Tigers in his most recent outing. He credits adjustments to his pitching delivery, specifically regaining extension in his arm motion, with adding velocity and movement to his fastball. “I’m feeling different now,” he said, expressing optimism about his ability to contribute to the Rays’ postseason ambitions.

The Rays, leading the American League East by 4 ½ games at the start of the week, offer Peralta a competitive environment that was lacking in New York, where the Mets’ broader struggles dimmed playoff hopes early in the season. Peralta acknowledged his excitement about joining a contender. “I felt good because I was going to a team that was playing really well, in first place, competing all the time,” he said.

Peralta’s current role includes a scheduled start against another team that traded him recently — the Milwaukee Brewers. While pitching for the Mets in July, he allowed seven earned runs over 5 2/3 innings in a start against Milwaukee.

Off the field, Peralta maintains warm ties with former Mets teammates and staff. He highlighted his friendship with Juan Soto and noted the camaraderie among American players during his time in New York.

After arriving in New York last winter in a trade that sent prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams to the Brewers, Peralta was initially regarded as a potential ace for the Mets rotation in his last season before free agency. Despite an uneven tenure with New York, he remains hopeful as he looks ahead to contributing to Tampa Bay’s postseason run.