On the eve of the 2026 MLB trade deadline, the Tampa Bay Rays strengthened their starting rotation by acquiring right-hander Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets in exchange for three prospects: outfielder Aidan Smith, infielder Emilien Pitre, and right-handed pitcher Gary Gill Hill.
Peralta, 30, had been acquired by the Mets before the 2026 season after spending several years as the ace of the Milwaukee Brewers. His stint in Flushing, however, did not go as hoped, as he posted a 4.99 ERA and a 4.45 FIP across 22 starts with New York.
The Rays are betting on a return to the form Peralta showed in Milwaukee from 2020 through 2025, when he was one of the National League’s most effective starters, recording a 3.33 ERA and a 3.60 FIP during that stretch.
Outfielder Aidan Smith came to Tampa Bay in the trade that sent Randy Arozarena away at the 2024 deadline. At the time, there was optimism that he could develop into one of the organization’s top prospects, especially after posting a 158 wRC+ shortly after joining the Rays. However, his progress has stalled at High-A, where he has struggled this season with a 68 wRC+.
Infielder Emilien Pitre, the Rays’ second-round selection in the 2024 draft, has emerged as an above-average offensive player thanks largely to his outstanding plate discipline and ability to draw walks, which has significantly boosted his on-base percentage. Recently promoted to Double-A, he was hitting .323/.451/.492 across 163 plate appearances.
Right-hander Gary Gill Hill was once considered one of Baseball America’s top 100 prospects, but he has not yet taken the next step in his development and has seen his prospect stock decline considerably. Selected by Tampa Bay in the sixth round of the 2022 draft, the 21-year-old will be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this offseason. Pitching at Double-A, he posted a 4.49 ERA and 4.60 FIP over 108.1 innings.
