Cubs Acquire David Peterson from Mets in Player Swap

The New York Mets are making moves as they look to turn around a disappointing start to the 2026 season, currently holding a 34-46 record following a tough doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs. After suffering losses of 10-3 and 10-5 on June 24, the Mets and Cubs agreed to a trade that will send left-handed pitcher David Peterson to Chicago.

ESPN baseball insider Jeff Passan was the first to report the news of the trade. Peterson, who has struggled this season, last took the mound against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he recorded five strikeouts over four innings but was tagged with a loss in a 6-2 game. In that outing, he threw 79 pitches, allowing six hits, including a home run, and five earned runs.

In exchange for Peterson, the Mets will receive Cole Mathis, the Cubs’ No. 13 prospect, who primarily plays first base and designated hitter. This move comes as the Mets continue to grapple with injuries, even as star shortstop Francisco Lindor has returned to the lineup.

Peterson’s record stands at 3-6 for the season, having started eight of the 16 games he has appeared in. Over 68 innings pitched, he has amassed a 6.09 ERA, allowing 82 hits and 51 runs while striking out 63 batters. His WHIP currently sits at 1.65, and while he has surrendered only six home runs, the overall results have not met expectations.

At 30 years old, Peterson is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2026 season after signing a one-year deal with the Mets worth $8.1 million. He was initially drafted in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft by New York and has spent all seven seasons of his career with the Mets.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.