Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Freddy Peralta won ALCS MVP after his team closed out the Cleveland Guardians in six games Monday.
"This is crazy," Peralta said, according to the Associated Press. "I'm very happy to be here, to be part of this great group and this organization."
Peralta, whom Tampa Bay acquired from the New York Mets before the trade deadline, allowed one run with six walks and nine strikeouts over 12 innings. He picked up the win to clinch the series, helping the Rays advance to their third World Series in franchise history.
"When I got here, everything changed," Peralta said. "I remember when I (got) to the clubhouse, we were in Colorado playing against the Rockies, and as soon as I stepped in the dugout in the first inning, I felt the vibes. I felt something different. And I think that’s why we're here now."
The two-time All-Star will face the Milwaukee Brewers in the Fall Classic. He spent the first eight years of his career with the team.
"Milwaukee is always going to be in my heart, but it's time to compete," Peralta said. "I'm grateful to be here and excited to go home."
Peralta has allowed just five earned runs over his last 50 1/3 innings (nine starts) dating back to the regular season.
The 30-year-old is eligible to test free agency at the conclusion of the World Series.
