The trade deadline proposal pairs With the underperforming Mets explicitly entering “sell mode” ahead of the August 3, 2026 trade deadline, president of baseball operations David Stearns is looking to restock the franchise with young talent.
Meanwhile, the National League West-leading Dodgers are aggressively hunting for rotational reinforcement due to ongoing rotation injuries.
The Core Details of the Proposal
- What the Dodgers Get: Freddy Peralta (RHP). Despite a disappointing season in Queens posting a 4.66 ERA, Peralta remains a highly valued postseason-caliber starter.
- He is playing on an expiring contract earning $8 million, making him an affordable rental for Los Angeles.
- What the Mets Get: Long-term pitching depth to build around future foundational pieces. Analysts have highlighted River Ryan (RHP) as a primary target
- Ryan, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, offers five years of team control and has a 2.89 ERA in Triple-A, but remains buried on a deep Dodgers depth chart.
- Other high-upside prospects under consideration include outfielder James Tibbs.
Why the Trade Makes Sense for Both Side
- For Los Angeles: The Dodgers possess the deepest farm system in baseball, allowing them to outbid other teams without hurting their core.
- Adding Peralta protects them against current injuries to starters like Blake Snell.
- For New York: The Mets are shopping all players on expiring contracts to build an accelerated timeline around superstar Juan Soto. Because they do not intend to pay down contracts or extend Peralta, getting controllable, high-ceiling arms like Ryan is their ideal pivot.
