The New York Mets made a notable roster move Tuesday night, trading left-handed pitcher David Peterson to the Chicago Cubs following a doubleheader sweep at Citi Field.
In return, New York acquired minor league third baseman Cole Mathis while Chicago addressed its pitching depth amid a series of rotation injuries. The move comes as the Cubs have taken control of the four-game series in New York, including a doubleheader sweep in which they outscored the Mets by a wide margin, highlighted by a 20-run output across the twin bill.
Peterson, who was an All-Star in 2025, has struggled to maintain consistency this season while moving between the rotation and bullpen. In 68 innings, he posted a 6.09 ERA and was unable to lock down a permanent role despite multiple opportunities. He had recently re-entered the starting rotation but allowed five runs over four innings in a loss to Philadelphia in his most recent outing.
The 29-year-old left-hander had increasingly emerged as a trade candidate given his performance dip and impending free agency, making him a logical option as the Mets evaluate their roster direction moving forward.
New York’s recent downturn has intensified scrutiny across the roster, with the team falling to 12 games under .500 for the first time since 2023. Defensive miscues have added to the struggles, including a six-error performance during the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader.
While the organization has not signaled a full-scale sell-off, the trade represents a step toward potential roster reshaping if the team’s slide continues in the coming weeks.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.