Freddy Peralta has reasserted himself as a top-tier pitcher ahead of free agency, following a standout performance in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) with the Tampa Bay Rays. Peralta, 30, who will start Game 3 of the World Series against his former team, delivered a dominant ALCS showing, earning MVP honors with a 2-0 record and a 0.75 earned run average.

Peralta’s resurgence comes after a period of underwhelming performance with the New York Mets in Queens, where questions hovered over his future value. However, his recent success has shifted the narrative around his free agency prospects. One agent familiar with the market, though not representing Peralta directly, suggested that he has moved from uncertain status to potentially the second-best available starting pitcher behind superstar Tarik Skubal.

Peralta indicated that he was aiming for a long-term contract of seven or eight years during the spring, a target that now appears realistic following his improved form. His increased velocity, reaching 99 miles per hour, along with improvements in his changeup and overall pitch mix, have drawn renewed attention. He credits much of his turnaround to the Rays’ coaching staff, particularly pitching coach Kyle Snyder, as well as the team’s defense and a few mechanical tweaks. Peralta emphasized that a key factor in his revival has been a positive mindset and the energy he feels from the organization, stating, “Everything changed.”

Drawing parallels from past players, experts note that a strong postseason can significantly boost a player’s free agent value. Hall of Famer Carlos Beltrán’s successful 2004 postseason led to a $120 million contract with the New York Mets. More recently, players like Juan Soto, Stephen Strasburg, Freddie Freeman, Gerrit Cole, Pablo Sandoval, and Daniel Murphy saw their free agency negotiations improve substantially after strong playoff performances. Dylan Cease’s seven-year, $210 million contract last winter is cited as a benchmark for Peralta’s potential deal.

An outside agent suggested that while matching Cease’s contract is not guaranteed, a deal worth around $150 million could be a reachable goal for Peralta. Despite focusing on the Rays’ immediate goal of the World Series, Peralta acknowledged the positive impact his performance could have on his next contract, saying, “I believe everything will be better because we have a chance, and I have been a big part of this.”