Peralta / Cleavinger / Henderson

He looks like a kickboxer here… Freddy definitely just destroyed the clubhouse heavy bag.

Section I: Freddy Peralta

Now a Metropolitan (I just felt like writing it out, it’s fun), Freddy Peralta has found himself yet again on the trade block with the struggling 36-50 New York Mets. His impending free agency and the fact that the Queens team is definitely, super, totally, 100% out of it means that Peralta has become a very attractive candidate for contenders this coming deadline.

On the surface, this is too much gray for a postseason starter. It is true that he’s on a down year. Peralta was at the top of the Brew Crew’s rotation before he was traded but now seems just mediocre with the Mets. On paper, that makes sense, he’s not lighting up the velo gun or throwing a wipeout breaker. So why are so many teams high on the 30 year-old who’s pitching to a 4.50 ERA?

For the most part, it’s the underlying metrics. His FIP is further down at 4.17, but his xERA (seen above) is a far lower 3.75. Peralta has been unlucky so far and is suppressed by a .299 BABIP. Additionally, the majority of his underlying methods (sequencing, mixes, etc.) are largely intact after the Jett Williams deal that sent Freddy to the Mets.

Peralta has unfortunately lost some feel of his slider, a pitch he has depended on for a large portion of his career. The Stuff+ is down a full 10% and the locations have suffered by 12% after leaving the Milwaukee pitching lab. On a happier note, his changeup seems to be remarkably underrated by stuff+, as both the “run” and “tumble” of the pitch are above average while his Location+ for the pitch type is an excellent 114. Regardless of how much his profile has shifted in just this past season, the Mets are almost certainly looking to deal him because other teams understand the upside behind Peralta. He may not enjoy a 2.70 ERA like he did in 2025, but the building blocks for a postseason starter are still there. Smart pitching, above average locations, and previous October innings could fetch GM David Stearns real prospects.

Section II: Garrett Cleavinger

The Rays have successfully pulled a rabbit out of their hat this season to battle the Yankees for the top spot in the AL East. Relievers like Cleavinger are a main reason for that. He’s struggled a tad in his 22.1 innings so far this year, posting a 4.43 ERA despite a 3.51 xERA.

Last year, his east-west profile and strong velocity helped him post remarkable K numbers. As the Rays aim to keep this record up, they hope that Cleavinger can clean up his walks to pre-calf injury levels. The velocity on his sinker is also down 1.2 mph on average, but there are few reasons to worry that the left-hander won’t post numbers similar to 2025 as the season continues.

Section III: Logan Henderson

MLB’s no. 100 prospect (nice) has been rehabbing with AAA Nashville Sounds recently as he looks to rejoin the Brewers’ rotation. Henderson is mostly unqualified due to a back strain, but has exhibited excellent traits despite lower velocity. His fastball is averaging 18.1 inches of ride out of his 32 degree arm angle, creating an uncomfortable flat approach angle for hitters that increases both perceived ride and velocity. That was a very convoluted way to say that the heater plays up. His changeup may be the true plus-plus pitch as Logan looks to establish himself in the majors. It’s separated from the fastball by almost 10 mph, but features a remarkable 20 inches of run which will help it to miss bats in the long run. Gotta love an amazing changeup