Freddy Peralta of the New York Mets confirmed that he will not pitch in the World Baseball Classic in an interview with SNY.
Freddy Peralta confirms that he won't be pitching for the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic:
"It wasn't an easy decision, but I think it's the best for me and my career." pic.twitter.com/iboqQFq4XX
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 4, 2026
“Pretty much it’s confirmed,” Peralta told SNY on Wednesday. “Me and my family think it is the best thing for me. I know my country was expecting me to be there, supporting the team and doing what I do. Unfortunately, I made the decision to stay here and be around the new players and my teammates here. I know it’s going to be hard for everyone, and for myself too. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I think it’s the best for me and my career.”
Peralta was traded from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Mets this offseason, and he is in a contract year. Perhaps he thinks it’s best to keep innings off his arm so he can stay healthy before free agency. HE had spent his entire career with the Brewers and will be adjusting to playing in one of the biggest media markets.
Not having him will be a major blow for the Dominican Republic. He is coming off the best year of his career and is a two-time All-Star.
He had a 2.70 ERA in 33 starts last season. It was the third consecutive season in which he made at least 30 starts, and he will be looking to take over as the Mets’ ace now. A stellar season could end up making him one of the highest-paid pitchers in baseball.
Since becoming a full-time starter, he has a 3.30 ERA and 895 strikeouts.
He has a great fastball, but recently he has developed his other pitches as well. His changeup usage has increased every season, and last year, hitters had just a .173 batting average against it. He has also developed his slider and curveball to be effective pitches, but they are not used quite as often as his four-seamer and change-up. He still managed to pick up 73 strikeouts last season with his slider and curveball, however.
Rosters for the World Baseball Classic will start being announced on MLB Network on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. While Peralta will not be on the Dominican Republic’s 30-man roster, plenty of other stars figure to be.
Photo: Milwaukee Brewers’ Freddy Peralta smiles before Game 3 of baseball’s National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
