Outlook Freddy Peralta
Struggles with deep-game efficiency overshadow Peralta's high-strikeout upside in New York
Freddy Peralta enters the 2026 season in a prime position as the staff anchor for the Mets. After a blockbuster trade from Milwaukee, the 30-year-old veteran is in the final year of his current contract and highly motivated to secure a long-term extension. In his new home, Peralta provides New York with a proven front-line arm, though his durability and ability to pitch deep into games remain key focal points after a career of high-stress, high-pitch-count innings.
Our season projection expects Peralta to be a major source of strikeouts, forecasting 180 punchouts over 168.0 innings. While his current 3.78 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with the Mets show some vulnerability to traffic on the basepaths, our models suggest those ratios will stabilize to a more characteristic 3.54 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. If he can curb his walk rate and replicate the elite 2.89 ERA form he displayed last year, he will easily deliver on his top-tier strikeout rate of nearly ten batters per nine innings.
In fantasy drafts, Peralta remains a highly coveted target around his ADP of 41. He offers a safe floor because of his elite strikeout capabilities but carries some risk due to past efficiency issues that often prevent him from qualifying for quality starts. He is best drafted as a high-upside number-two fantasy starter who can single-handedly carry strikeout categories when he is dialed in.
Updated 3 days ago
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Outlook Chad Patrick
Emerging power-speed threat poised for a major step forward in a potent Orioles lineup
Westburg heads into his second full big-league season as the everyday starter at third base for the reigning AL East champions, though he holds valuable multi-position eligibility at both second and third in most fantasy formats. His prominent spot in a young, high-powered Baltimore offense provides an ideal foundation for counting stats. At age 27, he is entering his physical prime and has established himself as a core contributor for a team expected to contend for another deep postseason run.
Our projection projects Westburg for roughly 23 home runs, 12 stolen bases, and a solid .262 batting average over 540 at-bats. While his career average of .259 and .311 OBP suggest he is more of a neutral asset in rate categories, his excellent hard-contact rates and balanced profile offer five-category utility. He should easily eclipse 75 runs and 75 RBI as he continues to refine his approach and tap into his raw pull-side power.
With an ADP settling in the mid-to-late rounds of most drafts, Westburg represents a highly attractive target for fantasy managers seeking a safe floor with upside. He does not possess the elite speed of a true category specialist, but his dual-eligibility, stable everyday playing time, and run-producing environment make him an incredibly reliable option as a starting middle infielder.
Updated 3 days ago
