Apr 8, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) reacts during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
David Peterson left Citi Field late Wednesday night with the visiting team and is not coming back.
The Mets dealt the veteran southpaw to the Cubs shortly after dropping both legs of Wednesday’s doubleheader to them, acquiring Chicago’s No. 13-ranked prospect, infielder Cole Mathis.
With it comes the end of a tumultuous, inconsistent seven-year tenure in Queens, during which he devolved from a top pitching prospect to an unreliable starter who was ultimately demoted to the bullpen on multiple occasions.
Peterson was one of New York’s heroes during its 2024 run to the NLCS. He had a 2.90 during the regular season, then provided invaluable relief innings, including the saving of the clinching Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
He followed it up with a strong first half that garnered a selection to the 2025 All-Star Game, but he has nosedived since then. In 16 appearances (eight starts) this season, the 30-year-old possessed a 6.09 ERA and a 1.647 WHIP.
Trading away Peterson could very well be the first domino of a significant Mets sale to fall. After Wednesday’s miserable doubleheader, they are 12 games under .500, in last place in the NL East, and 14.5 games out of first. Other pitchers potentially on the block include Freddy Peralta, who allowed 10 runs in his last start, and veteran relievers like Brooks Raley or AJ Minter.
In Mathis, the Mets are getting a 22-year-old currently playing in High-A Ball. In 39 games, he is batting .272 with a .981 OPS, 10 home runs, and 39 RBI.
For more on the Mets and David Peterson, visit AMNY.com
