Key Takeaways
- • Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, attended ALCS Game 2 at Tropicana Field, where former Met Freddy Peralta pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays against the Cleveland Guardians, with the Rays winning to tie the series 1-1.
- • Peralta held Cleveland scoreless through 6 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 walks with 6 strikeouts, and reached a career-high 99.4 mph fastball.
- • Peralta posted a 4.99 ERA over 113.2 innings with the Mets in 2026 before the Mets traded him to Tampa Bay at the Trade Deadline for three minor-league players.
- • After the trade, Peralta went 5-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 10 starts for the Rays, including a 0.96 ERA in September that earned AL Pitcher of the Month honors.
- • The Mets were 62-76 and out of postseason contention in August when they made the trade, which Peralta's Tampa Bay performance has made a visible contrast to.
Summary
Steve Cohen's presence at the ALCS game between the Rays and Guardians drew attention because Freddy Peralta was on the mound. The Rays beat Cleveland to tie the American League Championship Series at 1-1. Adam Schein, speaking on his show on New York Post Sports, called the scene a nightmare for Mets fans: "You have Steve Cohen watching Freddie Peralta shine and dominate and dazzle." When asked about Cohen's attendance at Tuesday's game, Peralta said, "I don't even know if he came just to watch the game or maybe me too," and described their relationship as positive, noting that Cohen had texted him after the Mets acquired him and that they stayed in good communication during spring training. Peralta added, "I think that he's awesome."
Peralta arrived in New York after a strong 2025 season with the Brewers, when he went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA, struck out 204 batters over 176.2 innings, and finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting. The Mets acquired him and took on the final year of his contract to strengthen their rotation. His production did not carry over. He posted a 4.99 ERA across 113.2 innings with 113 strikeouts before the Mets, who were 62-76 and out of contention by August, traded him to Tampa Bay at the Trade Deadline for three minor-league players.
With the Rays, Peralta's results improved. According to the reporting, the Rays' pitching coach Kyle Snyder and staff helped him regain the arm extension he had lost, adjust his pitch mix, use his changeup more effectively, and improve his command. He finished the regular season 5-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 10 starts, and went 4-0 with a 0.96 ERA in September. In the playoffs he allowed one earned run over 4.2 innings against the Yankees.
In Game 2 against Cleveland, Peralta allowed no runs through six innings, with his fastball reaching 99.4 mph, the hardest pitch of his major-league career. Tampa Bay had already built its lead after an error by Jose Ramirez in the fourth inning and a two-run single by Liam Hicks. The outing reinforced the Rays' confidence in Peralta during their postseason run, while the Mets face questions about the season and the trade.
Peralta arrived in New York after a strong 2025 season with the Brewers, when he went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA, struck out 204 batters over 176.2 innings, and finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting. The Mets acquired him and took on the final year of his contract to strengthen their rotation. His production did not carry over. He posted a 4.99 ERA across 113.2 innings with 113 strikeouts before the Mets, who were 62-76 and out of contention by August, traded him to Tampa Bay at the Trade Deadline for three minor-league players.
With the Rays, Peralta's results improved. According to the reporting, the Rays' pitching coach Kyle Snyder and staff helped him regain the arm extension he had lost, adjust his pitch mix, use his changeup more effectively, and improve his command. He finished the regular season 5-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 10 starts, and went 4-0 with a 0.96 ERA in September. In the playoffs he allowed one earned run over 4.2 innings against the Yankees.
In Game 2 against Cleveland, Peralta allowed no runs through six innings, with his fastball reaching 99.4 mph, the hardest pitch of his major-league career. Tampa Bay had already built its lead after an error by Jose Ramirez in the fourth inning and a two-run single by Liam Hicks. The outing reinforced the Rays' confidence in Peralta during their postseason run, while the Mets face questions about the season and the trade.
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