Rays get 'out of the question' Freddy Peralta prediction amid World Series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Down two games to none in the World Series, the Tampa Bay Rays have a lot of work to do to bring home the organization's first World Series title.
They are headed back to Tampa Bay for Game 3 on Monday night, and right-hander Freddy Peralta will be on the mound.
After a rough stint with the New York Mets, Peralta has been excellent during his stint with the Rays.
"The Tampa Bay righty achieved ALCS MVP honors for his play against the Cleveland Guardians. He has also been one of the best pitchers in the game since August, with a sub-1.0 ERA and the sort of fastball dominance that was missing during his brief and disastrous stint with the Mets," Bleacher Report's Erik Beaston wrote.
Peralta's performance in Tampa Bay, at the very least, should urge the Rays to attempt to sign him in free agency this offseason.
However, they don't typically spend big on free agents, and Peralta could command a hefty contract.
"Tampa, though, is not necessarily known for paying big-money price tags for free agents.
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"They carry one of the lowest payrolls in baseball, and forking over tens of millions for Peralta, who should command a sizeable payday considering his work for the team, may be out of the question," Beaston added.
Perhaps Peralta enjoyed his time with the Rays and would prefer to stay with the AL East club.
Still, he would have to be prepared to take a pay cut compared to what other teams could offer him.
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