The Atlanta Braves are expected to be active buyers ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline, and recent performances have only reinforced where the club needs to improve.
Atlanta has two obvious areas to address: shortstop and the starting rotation. However, with the shortstop market offering few appealing options, strengthening the pitching staff appears to be the organization’s top priority.
In his latest trade deadline analysis, ESPN insider Jeff Passan identified the Braves’ “best match” as New York Mets right-hander Freddy Peralta, a veteran starter who could provide Atlanta with another experienced arm for the stretch run despite an uneven season.
Braves’ “Best Match” Is Mets Right-Hander Freddy Peralta
“Best match: Freddy Peralta,” Passan wrote. “… And even if certainty isn’t exactly what Freddy Peralta has provided for the Mets this season, there’s enough history there for Atlanta to treat him as the upgrade he would be.”
Peralta has struggled to consistently find his best form in 2026, posting a 4.68 ERA with a 5-7 record across 19 starts. Over 100 innings, he has recorded 98 strikeouts, surrendered 14 home runs, and accumulated just 0.1 bWAR.
Although those numbers fall short of expectations, the Braves may view Peralta as a realistic and affordable alternative to elite trade targets such as Tarik Skubal or Joe Ryan, both of whom would likely require a far steeper prospect package.
Rather than paying a premium to acquire one of baseball’s top frontline starters, Atlanta could pursue Peralta at a significantly lower cost if the Mets decide to move him before the deadline.
Despite his disappointing 2026 campaign, Peralta’s track record remains attractive. He earned an All-Star selection after posting a 2.70 ERA with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2025 and compiled a solid 3.59 ERA during his eight seasons in Milwaukee, demonstrating the consistency that made him one of the National League’s more dependable starters.
That history could make him an appealing bounce-back candidate for Atlanta, where he would slot into the rotation as a high-upside arm capable of contributing in meaningful games down the stretch and potentially starting in the postseason.
With the Braves seeking additional stability behind their current starters, Peralta stands out as a logical deadline target. Even though a deal would involve division rivals, the Mets may prioritize maximizing value over keeping the veteran away from an NL East opponent if they ultimately choose to sell.