Freddy Peralta claimed ALCS MVP honors after the Tampa Bay Rays advanced to the World Series by defeating the Cleveland Guardians. Peralta held Cleveland to one run across 5 1/3 innings in Game 6 on Monday, which the Rays won to clinch the series.
Peralta allowed just one run in 12 innings total across two starts and one relief appearance in the ALCS. He threw six shutout innings in Game 2. His Game 4 relief outing proved pivotal. He entered with the tying run on base and the go-ahead run at the plate in the sixth inning, then retired Steven Kwan and Chase DeLauter to protect a one-run lead in a Rays victory. Peralta appeared in three of Tampa's four ALCS wins.
The Rays acquired Peralta from the New York Mets at the trade deadline. Between the regular season and postseason with Tampa, he posted a 2.75 ERA in 72 innings. With New York, he compiled a 4.99 ERA over 113 2/3 innings. The Rays adjusted his mechanics after the trade, having him pitch from the stretch, throw more changeups and raise his arm angle, changes that contributed to his improved performance.
Peralta will face his former team, the Milwaukee Brewers, in the World Series. He stated, "Milwaukee is the team and the city that gave me the opportunity to make my dream." The 30-year-old Peralta will enter free agency after the season, and his postseason performance with the Rays has elevated his market value.
Neither the Brewers nor the Rays have won a World Series title, guaranteeing a first-time champion in 2026.