Mets make sudden Freddy Peralta decision as trade interest intensifies originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The New York Mets may have offered the clearest indication yet that a Freddy Peralta trade is coming. New York scratched Peralta from his scheduled start against the Miami Marlins on Friday night as trade interest in the veteran right-hander intensified, according to the New York Posts Joel Sherman.Peralta had been lined up to open the Mets weekend series at loanDepot park. Instead, New York decided not to risk using one of the most sought-after starting pitchers available ahead of Mondays MLB trade deadline. There is no indication that a trade has been completed, but the decision to scratch Peralta suggests talks may be advancing quickly. The Mets now have until Monday at 6 p.m. ET to find an acceptable deal.Freddy Peralta trade rumors heat upPeralta has attracted interest from several contenders despite struggling during his first season in New York. The Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers have all been connected to Peralta. The San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks have also reportedly scouted him recently.The Mets are scratching Freddy Peralta from his scheduled start tonight as trade interest in him picks up, per @Joelsherman1pic.twitter.com/CS6qINfTe5 SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) July 31, 2026According to The Athletics Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal, the Mets have sought a package featuring a top-100 prospect and additional talent in preliminary Peralta discussions. That is a significant asking price for a pitcher who is set to enter free agency following the season. However, the Mets can point to Peraltas track record, swing-and-miss ability and postseason experience while negotiating with teams desperate for rotation help.Peralta is 30 years old and was an All-Star for the second time in 2025. He finished that season with a 17-6 record and a 2.70 ERA for Milwaukee, leading the National League in victories and emerging as a Cy Young Award contender.His move to New York has not gone nearly as planned.Peralta has posted a 4.99 ERA and 1.48 WHIP this season. His struggles became more pronounced in July, when he recorded a 6.85 ERA and failed to deliver the front-line production the Mets expected.MORE:Cardinals call up top pitching prospect Quinn Mathews for highly anticipated MLB debutMets appear ready to continue trade deadline selloffNew York acquired Peralta and Tobias Myers from Milwaukee during the offseason in exchange for two highly regarded prospects, Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat. Trading Peralta only months later would confirm just how quickly the Mets plans changed.The club entered Friday with a 47-63 record and the second-worst record in the National League. With its postseason hopes fading, New York has started moving veterans and collecting young talent. The Mets already traded reliever A.J. Minter to the Minnesota Twins for infield prospects Billy Amick and Bruin Agbayani. Other veterans, including Clay Holmes, Luke Weaver, Brooks Raley, Luis Robert Jr. and Tyrone Taylor, could also be dealt before the deadline.Peralta may be the most valuable player available from that group because multiple contenders need another starting pitcher. Even with his disappointing numbers, acquiring him would give a playoff hopeful a proven arm capable of missing bats and pitching meaningful innings. Scratching a healthy starter does not guarantee an imminent trade. Teams frequently take precautions when negotiations intensify, especially when an injury could dramatically change a players value.Still, the timing makes New Yorks intentions difficult to ignore. Peralta was supposed to take the mound Friday. His next appearance could now come in a different uniform.More MLB news:How Aaron Judge is the real focus of the Yankees' trade deadline plansHave you ever seen a bounce throw to turn a double play?The Braves let their pitcher hit, and it worked out surprisingly wellHow Rays turned Tim Beckham bust draft pick into Junior CamineroYankees' Jose Caballero is pushing the limit of the rules