Mets reportedly in trade talks with Cubs regarding ace Freddy Peralta amid nightmare season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets entered the season with high expectations after suffering one of the biggest collapses in baseball last year. They went from being one of the best teams in MLB to missing the playoffs entirely.

This season has not gone according to plan either, as the Mets got off to one of the worst starts in the league despite making several major moves during the offseason. One of those moves included acquiring starter Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers.

“The New York Mets' winterlong pursuit of a front-line starting pitcher ended late Wednesday when they acquired All-Star Freddy Peralta, as well as fellow right-hander Tobias Myers, from the Milwaukee Brewers for Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams, two of their top prospects,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.

There is growing belief that if the Mets continue to struggle, Peralta could eventually end up on the trade block.

“Peralta is a prime trade chip. He’s an elite clubhouse presence and someone who is highly regarded by his teammates. He’s a high-end pitcher who has a career 3.60 ERA in nine major-league seasons. He’s also on an expiring contract and if the Mets want to get something in return in a potential lost season, then trading the right-hander should be on the table,” FanSided’s Robert Murray wrote.

It already appears that the Mets are preparing for the possibility of selling, as they have reportedly been in contact with the Chicago Cubs regarding a potential trade.

“According to industry sources the Cubs are one of the teams the Mets have talked to about acquiring RHP Freddy Peralta.June 1st is a target time for the Mets to either get back into the race or move the soon to be Free agent .Peralta and Craig Counsell share a mutual bond,” Bruce Levine posted.

The Cubs would likely be one of the most aggressive teams in baseball for a top-end starter considering their rotation has been plagued by injuries. Craig Counsell would also welcome a reunion with Peralta dating back to their days together in Milwaukee.

The biggest thing for Chicago is that the Cubs need another high-level starter if they want to become true contenders. For the Mets, they could receive a massive return package, and moving Peralta would not necessarily prevent them from pursuing him again in free agency next offseason.

More MLB news:

• Astros-Red Sox trade pitch sends Jarren Duran to Houston for $115M All-Star, Silver Slugger

• Dodgers' Dave Roberts hints at potential demotion for Roki Sasaki, Justin Wrobleski, Emmet Sheehan

• Braves writer sounds alarm on Austin Riley's slow start, sparks potential 'bust' concerns

• Cubs losing Matthew Boyd to injury creates immediate urgency to trade for Sandy Alcantara