Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Freddy Peralta admitted he never imagined reaching the 2026 World Series just two months ago, following a difficult stint with the New York Mets.
The 30-year-old right-hander earned American League Championship Series MVP honors Monday night after helping the Rays defeat the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 in Game 6 at Tropicana Field.
Peralta pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing one run as Tampa Bay secured its third World Series appearance in franchise history.
His achievement followed an August trade that transformed the direction of his season.
FOX 13 Tampa Bay's Mark Skol, Jr. shared footage of Peralta's postgame press conference on X, formerly Twitter, capturing the veteran's reaction when asked whether he could have imagined reaching this point.
“Nah, I'm being honest. No, I you know, it's crazy. Like how not only the life can surprise you, but this game. Yeah.”
Article Continues BelowThe following story is in development and will be updated shorlty.
WATCH: "It's crazy not only how life can surprise you but this game [too]."
ALCS MVP and #Rays starting pitcher Freddy Peralta says he could not have pictured being in this situation two months ago, but he is sure glad to be here in #TampaBay now.
Video courtesy of MLB pic.twitter.com/fJkztNHI3U
— Mark Skol, Jr. (@markskoljrTV) October 20, 2026