The New York Mets have agreed to trade left-handed pitcher David Peterson to the Chicago Cubs, according to multiple reports. In return, the Mets will acquire minor league infielder Cole Mathis.
This transaction comes at a key point in the season as both clubs look to address immediate needs.
Peterson has been with the Mets organization longer than any other current player on the roster. However, his performance in 2026 has been inconsistent, leading to him losing his place in the starting rotation. Over 16 appearances, including eight starts, he compiled a 3-6 record with a 6.09 earned run average.
His recent outings have been especially challenging, as he surrendered 13 earned runs across his last three appearances covering 10.2 innings.
The decision to move Peterson reflects the Mets’ effort to explore fresh options in their pitching staff. Team officials have emphasized that this deal does not mark the beginning of a broader sell-off. Instead, it represents a targeted move to improve the rotation while bringing in a prospect they value highly.
Cole Mathis, a 22-year-old infielder, was selected by the Cubs in the second round of the 2024 draft. He has climbed the rankings quickly within the organization, earning recognition as the No. 9 prospect by Baseball America and No. 13 by MLB Pipeline. Currently assigned to High-A, Mathis has demonstrated strong offensive production this season.
In High-A play, Mathis is batting .260 with a .371 on-base percentage and a .490 slugging percentage, resulting in an .861 OPS. He has contributed three home runs and 22 runs batted in at that level. When combining his time between Low-A and High-A, his overall numbers stand at a .272 batting average, .981 OPS, 10 home runs, and 39 RBI.
Primarily a first baseman with 34 games of experience there, Mathis has also seen limited action at third base in five games during his minor league career. His combination of power potential and plate discipline makes him an intriguing addition for the Mets as they build for the future.
For Peterson, the trade represents a new chapter after years of ups and downs in New York. Drafted in the first round, 20th overall, in 2017, he showed flashes of potential early in his career while moving between the bullpen and rotation. His breakout came in 2025, when he posted a 9-6 record with a 4.22 ERA and earned his first All-Star selection.
That strong performance in 2025 was driven largely by an excellent first half, during which he went 6-4 with a 3.06 ERA before the All-Star break. However, his production declined sharply afterward, with only three wins and a 6.34 ERA in the second half of the season. This pattern of inconsistency has continued into 2026, prompting the Mets to make a change.
The Cubs, meanwhile, are in the thick of a playoff chase and see Peterson as valuable depth for their pitching staff. The team has been dealing with several injuries to starters, including Edward Cabrera being placed on the injured list with a hamstring strain after Tuesday’s game. On the same day, Ben Brown was also sidelined with a strained neck.
Following Wednesday’s results, Chicago holds a narrow half-game advantage over the San Diego Padres for the third and final National League Wild Card position. Adding a veteran left-hander like Peterson could provide the stability they need to maintain their postseason hopes through the remainder of the regular season.
This swap highlights a common mid-season strategy in baseball, where contending teams acquire experienced arms while rebuilding clubs gain promising young talent. Both sides appear positioned to benefit based on their current situations and long-term goals.
