MLB insider made Cubs' Freddy Peralta trade deadline pursuit feel real with one caveat

Freddy Peralta has been on the Chicago Cubs' trade deadline radar dating back to May, and with the deadline on Monday, the Cubs remain among the strongest suitors for the veteran starting pitcher. The Athletic's Will Sammon reports the Cubs are among the teams with strong interest in Peralta.

While the belief is that asking prices on rental starting pitchers generally come down as the deadline gets closer, that doesn't appear to be the case with the Mets. Sammon notes that the Mets are still seeking a top-100 prospect as part of the package for Peralta, and some additional pieces after that.

The idea of the Cubs have legitimate interest in Peralta isn't that surprising. Even with his struggles, a 4.99 ERA through 22 starts this season, the belief is that his numbers could improve once he moves away from the Mets. It's a strategy that has already worked for the Cubs, considering how strong David Peterson has looked in three of his four starts since being acquired from New York.

Of course, what adds to the Cubs' interest in Peralta is that he would be reunited with Craig Counsell. If Counsell believes the version of Peralta with the Cubs could match what he was with the Milwaukee Brewers, the 30-year-old being the top non-Skubal rental starter they persure at the deadline makes sense.

Freddy Peralta makes a ton of sense for the Cubs, but not at the Mets' asking price

The Mets were reportedly scouting the Cubs' Double-A affiliate in recent weeks, and that would suggest the top-100 prospect they have their eye on from the Cubs is shortstop Jefferson Rojas. While the Cubs are expected to have an aggressive approach to this summer's deadline, using Rojas as a headliner in a deal strictly for Peralta would be a massive overpay that's hard to defend.

In a world where the Cubs are trying to pluck Peralta and another controllable arm from New York, such as Jonah Tong, then perhaps they would feel more comfortable with including Rojas. Ditto if they were also looking to add Luke Weaver to a potential trade, considering he's a high-leverage relief pitcher under control beyond this season.

If the Mets don't budge off their asking price for Peralta, it's hard to imagine them finding a match with the Cubs. If the Cubs are going to part with one of their two top-100 prospects, they almost certainly will want to get a controllable pitcher in return.

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