Cubs Acquire David Peterson to Strengthen Rotation

David Peterson, once an All-Star pitcher for the New York Mets, now finds a fresh start with the Chicago Cubs. The 30-year-old pitcher, who lost his place in the Mets’ starting rotation in April, had been carrying a 6.09 ERA and a negative WAR through June 23. He was also charged with six losses as the Mets held the worst record in the NL East with 44 losses.

Peterson’s arrival brings hope to a Chicago Cubs pitching staff in need. The Cubs traded minor league first baseman/designated hitter Cole Mathis, who had an .860 OPS in 25 games at High-A South Bend, for Peterson in a 1-for-1 trade.

The Cubs’ rotation faced setbacks with recent injuries to Ben Brown (neck) and Edward Cabrera (hamstring), potentially derailing their playoff ambitions. Currently standing at 43-37 and seven games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central, the Cubs would be the NL’s third Wild Card team if the season ended today.

Despite Peterson’s struggles this year, his 3.85 FIP aligns closely with his career average of 3.91, suggesting he might improve with the Cubs’ stronger defense. Known for generating ground balls, Peterson completed an impressive 2025 season, setting career highs in innings (168.2), strikeouts (150), and starts (30).

Should the Cubs choose to move Peterson to the bullpen, he has experience in that role. In the 2024 postseason, when the Mets reached the National League Championship Series, Peterson made four of his five appearances as a reliever, posting a 2.92 ERA in October.

Peterson is expected to fill a crucial gap in a Cubs rotation now down to three pitchers: Shota Imanaga, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad, following the injuries to Cabrera and Brown. Matthew Boyd is anticipated to return from the injured list on June 25, further bolstering the Cubs’ depth.