The Chicago Cubs have traded for 30-year-old pitcher David Peterson from the New York Mets. This move comes as the Cubs seek to strengthen their pitching staff following injuries to key players. Peterson had been struggling to maintain his position in the Mets’ starting rotation but offers a potential boost to the Cubs.
Peterson’s Transition and Struggles
Once an All-Star in 2025, Peterson faced challenges in 2026, falling out of favor with the Mets’ starting lineup. By late June, he held a 6.09 ERA and a negative Wins Above Replacement (WAR), contributing to six of the Mets’ 44 losses — the worst record in the National League East at the time.
Cubs’ Immediate Needs
The Cubs, dealing with recent injuries to starting pitchers Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera, viewed Peterson as an immediate solution. The trade involved 22-year-old minor league first baseman/designated hitter Cole Mathis, who had an .860 on-base plus slugging (OPS) in 25 games for High-A South Bend.
Cubs’ Position in the League
At 43-37, the Cubs stand seven games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central division. As of now, they are poised as the potential third Wild Card team in the league. Despite his recent struggles, Peterson provides hope for improving the Cubs’ playoff chances.
Peterson’s Potential and Fit
Despite a challenging season, Peterson’s fielding independent pitching (FIP) of 3.85 aligns closely with his career average of 3.91. This indicates potential improvements with a stronger Cubs’ defense behind him. He has previously excelled, particularly as a ground-ball pitcher, and achieved career-high innings, strikeouts, and starts in 2025.
Versatility in the Bullpen
If required, Peterson can return to a bullpen role, which he successfully held during the Mets’ 2024 postseason run. He posted a 2.92 ERA in four relief appearances during that year’s National League Championship Series.
Peterson joins a rotation currently relying on Shota Imanaga, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad. Matthew Boyd is expected to rejoin the team from the injured list shortly.
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