Overview
- An industry report that Chicago spoke with New York about Freddy Peralta was retracted after a Cubs source disputed any direct talks.
- Updated reporting says the Cubs have checked on other starters, and the Mets have offered no sign they will trade Peralta right now.
- Peralta is on an expiring contract at about $8 million this season and has a 3.12 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP across 43.1 innings.
- Chicago’s rotation has thinned with injuries to Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, and Justin Steele, which increases urgency to add innings.
- League insiders cite a possible June 1 decision point for New York as the high‑payroll Mets slide toward seller territory.