Cubs Rumors: Mets once again emerge as ideal trade deadline partner

The Chicago Cubs turned to the New York Mets last month for an early trade to address their need in the starting rotation, and if Jed Hoyer and Co. are looking for another deal before the deadline, the Mets are once again appearing as the ideal trade partner.

When the Mets traded David Peterson to the Cubs, they were quick to put out messaging that they weren't ready to declare themselves as sellers for the trade deadline. With the deadline less than a month way, it's hard to envision a scenario avoid that fate.

The Mets entered Tuesday 15 games under .500, and also 15 games out of first place in the National League East. The Wild Card isn't their lifeline either, considering they are 11 games out of the final spot.

It's why The Athletic's Will Sammon all but opened the door to the Mets selling at the deadline. The MLB insider's piece was centered around Freddy Peralta, and the uneven year he's had in New York. While Peralta isn't the primary reason why the Mets have collapsed this year, he certainly hasn't been the top-of-the-rotation pitcher he was with the Milwaukee Brewers.

On the season, Peralta has an ERA of 4.68 in 100 innings pitched. While Peterson's ERA/FIP split was a clear indicator that he had some bad luck involved with his struggles in New York this season, Peralta's FIP is 4.29. Beyond that, Peralta's strikeout rate is at 22% this season, down from 28.2% last season.

Cubs connection to Freddy Peralta won't go away before the MLB trade deadline

As Sammon points out, with Peralta being a rental, his struggles this season have clearly lowered the potential return in a trade for the Mets. There won't be a shortage of suitors, and the Cubs were the first team mentioned by Sammon.

"The Chicago Cubs, are desperate for it, making them an obvious team to watch for Peralta, who played six seasons under Chicago manager Craig Counsell in Milwaukee."

If the Cubs go the rental to route to address their need for a starting pitcher, Peralta feels like the obvious candidate. There's the connection to Counsell, he's owed a fraction of the $8 million owed to him this season. Not to mention, in terms of prospect capital, Peralta's struggles should put him within the Cubs' reach.

In terms of Peralta being the pitcher that puts the Cubs over the top, that's a different conversation. He clearly would be the ace of the rotation if he were acquired by the Cubs, but between his struggles this season and past struggles in the postseason, it's fair to question the ceiling of his addition. Of course, that debate would be preferred over the Cubs being forced to turn to a bullpen game once again in October.

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