Cubs should rush to sign Freddy Peralta if latest contract prediction is true

It's no secret that the Chicago Cubs are in need of starting pitching this offseason with Clay Holmes, Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, David Peterson, Kevin Gausman and Colin Rea all free agents. And there's one specific name on the open market that the Cubs should be targeting.

Right-handed starter Freddy Peralta turned his season around in 2026 after being dealt to the Tampa Bay Rays at the trade deadline. Peralta had an abysmal 4.99 ERA as a member of the New York Mets before posting a 5-2 record and 3.25 ERA with the Rays. In the postseason, Peralta went 2-1 with a 2.95 ERA in five appearances and four starts for Tampa Bay, helping them reach the World Series.

Cubs should sign Peralta if this contract prediction comes to fruition

With Peralta hitting the open market after an up-and-down year, Bleacher Report is predicting that he will receive a three-year, $73 million deal with an opt-out after 2028. If this proves to be the case, the Cubs should be all over Peralta.

Upon being traded to the Rays, the team fixed Peralta's arm angle, extension, and helped him develop a quicker delivery to the plate by eliminating a full wind up. These tweaks proved to be the right ones, as Peralta dominated down the stretch and in the playoffs.

If the Cubs can get Peralta to do the same, which is something the Mets weren't able to do, he would provide a major boost to the top of Chicago's starting rotation. And keep in mind, Peralta's success with the Rays wasn't a fluke. The righty was an All-Star pitcher and Cy Young candidate for the NL Central rival Milwaukee Brewers for several seasons before getting traded to the Mets last offseason.

However, given the fact that Peralta struggled through his first 22 starts with the Mets in a walk year, he will likely have to accept a short-term deal with an opt-out/s to rebuild his full value. Prior to the season, it was rumored that Peralta was looking for a seven or eight year deal.

Peralta is unlikely to draw the long-term deal he is looking for, so it would be wise to go prove it for another full season before retesting the open market. The only flaw in Bleacher Report's prediction is that Peralta would probably want an opt-out after the 2027 season as opposed to 2028. That way he can re-enter free agency next winter.

The Cubs are the perfect landing spot for Peralta on a short-term deal given their need for starting pitching ahead of 2027. If this contract prediction comes close to fruition, the Cubs should sign Peralta this offseason.

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