David Peterson, once an All-Star pitcher for the New York Mets in 2025, has been acquired by the Chicago Cubs. This move comes after Peterson lost his place in the Mets’ starting rotation. Through June 23, he posted a 6.09 ERA and a negative WAR, contributing to six of the Mets’ 44 losses, the most in the NL East.
Despite recent struggles, Peterson represents hope for the Cubs’ struggling pitching staff. The Cubs completed a 1-for-1 trade, sending minor league first baseman/designated hitter Cole Mathis to the Mets. Mathis had recorded an impressive .860 OPS in 25 games at High-A South Bend.
The Cubs, currently with a 43-37 record, are seven games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central division. They hold the position of third Wild Card team if the season were to end today. Injuries to starters Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera have undermined the Cubs’ playoff aspirations, making Peterson’s arrival timely.
Peterson’s 3.85 FIP closely matches his career average of 3.91, indicating potential improvement with the Cubs’ stronger defensive lineup compared to the Mets’. Known for inducing ground balls, Peterson had a standout 2025 season with career highs in innings (168.2), strikeouts (150), and starts (30).
Should the Cubs shift Peterson to the bullpen, he has prior experience in this role. In the 2024 postseason, he made four relief appearances in five games, achieving a 2.92 ERA, as the Mets advanced to the National League Championship Series.
At present, Peterson joins a pitching rotation reduced to Shota Imanaga, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad, following the injuries to Cabrera and Brown. Matthew Boyd is expected to rejoin the rotation from the injured list on June 25.