The New York Mets’ starting rotation was not great last season, and the team needs to make moves in order to fix the group before next season.

The Mets have a solid collection of young starting pitchers, but the team needs an ace. There are free agents available, but David Stearns may prefer to trade for a starter who is perhaps better than the options in free agency. Freddy Peralta is a player the Mets could target.

Stearns was the Milwaukee Brewers’ general manager from 2015 to 2020, and remained the president of baseball operations through 2022. He was the general manager when the Brewers acquired Peralta from the Seattle Mariners, and Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter proposed this trade that would bring Peralta to Queens:

Brewers receive: RHP Jonah Tong (Mets’ No. 4 prospect), 3B Jacob Reimer (Mets’ No. 6 prospect) and OF/2B A.J. Ewing (Mets’ No. 7 prospect)Mets receive: RHP Freddy Peralta and RHP Trevor Megill

Not only would the Mets get Peralta, but they would land Megill, the Brewers’ closer. His brother, Tylor Megill, is also on the Mets. He could join a bullpen that features Devin Williams as the projected closer. Megill could be the setup man for Williams, allowing Luke Weaver to manage leverage innings before the eighth.

Why would the Brewers trade two All-Stars? Well, Peralta is a year away from free agency and historically, the Brewers have traded their stars before they hit the open market, knowing they will not be able to afford them. Peralta is making just $8 million and is coming off a career year, meaning he could yield a haul.

As for Megill, the Brewers already have their next great closer in the building. Abner Uribe is ready to take over the role, and Megill could help them get a better deal. The Brewers do not pay relievers big, and have a history of trading All-Star closers at peak value. Williams and Josh Hader are prime examples.

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