As the trade deadline approaches, Freddy Peralta acknowledged that he might have thrown his last pitch with the New York Mets and voiced his disappointment with how his brief tenure with the team has unfolded.
"I know it probably is (my last start with the Mets)," the 30-year-old said following Sunday's 8-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to ESPN's Jorge Castillo.
"But I have to focus and keep giving the best of myself. And if it happens, it happens. I'm thankful and grateful to be part of this organization. I know that, so far, I've let them down. I haven't done what I'm supposed to do. But I'm grateful to be here."
Sunday's outing was another lackluster one for Peralta in what's been an unsuccessful campaign for the two-time All-Star. The Mets right-hander owns a 4.99 ERA while holding opposing hitters to .264 this season.
The Mets acquired Peralta, along with Tobias Myers, from the Milwaukee Brewers for two top prospects, hoping he'd lead a rotation that many predicted would be a strength but has instead been mediocre.
"We haven't done what we were expected to do, in general, especially when I speak about myself," Peralta said. "I know that I can be way better than this. I still believe in myself. I am born to be a winner, not a loser. And I think that I have a lot in me, a lot to show, and I know that it can change because I still have time to make a change, to make it better."
Peralta is a pending free agent, making him a potential rental for a contending club in need of starting pitching. His past performance, coupled with an affordable salary, means he'll likely be dealt before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Despite the strong possibility of being moved, the Dominican pitcher appears at peace with the situation.
"I understand the business part, and I understand how it works," Peralta said. "But I cannot control that. I just have to wait and come back here tomorrow and the next days and just do my best."
