Former Mets reliever Adam Ottavino said New York pressure and Freddy Peralta’s focus on a new contract may have contributed to the pitcher’s struggles. Peralta was traded to Tampa Bay at the deadline and has since made three strong starts, The Athletic reported.
On Foul Territory, Ottavino said Peralta was in a free-agent year and facing a big-market environment and fan criticism he had not experienced before. He also cited Peralta’s public mention of an asking price for a new contract, saying it suggested the pitcher’s mindset may not have been right.
The Athletic’s Eno Sarris reported that Tampa Bay helped Peralta make adjustments after acquiring him. The article said his turnaround could give him a chance to reset his value before free agency.
