The Cubs simply couldn’t afford to wait any longer.
After adding both Edward Cabrera (hamstring/adductor) and Ben Brown (neck) to the 15-day injured list on Wednesday, the Cubs struck a late-night deal, bringing in left-handed pitcher David Peterson from the New York Mets. In return, Chicago sent infield prospect Cole Mathis to the Mets.
Peterson, 30, should enjoy a short commute to join his new club. The move was first reported by ESPN shortly after the Cubs swept a day-night doubleheader in Queens against the Mets on Wednesday night.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the lefty thus far in 2026, sporting a 6.09 ERA in 68.0 innings over 16 appearances, including eight starts. His peripherals, however, tell a bit of a different story. Despite his — and the Mets’ — struggles this season, Peterson has induced groundballs 51.1 percent of the time, sports an xFIP of 4.05 and is just two years removed from a 2.90 ERA in 121.0 innings.
For as much as the club would love to unlock that 2024 version of him, the Cubs don’t even need Peterson to become a top-of-the-rotation starter. This is about weathering a torrential storm and being able to field a full rotation. Peterson — whose contract runs through the end of the season — helps with that for now.
After adding both Edward Cabrera (hamstring/adductor) and Ben Brown (neck) to the 15-day injured list on Wednesday, the Cubs struck a late-night deal, bringing in left-handed pitcher David Peterson from the New York Mets. In return, Chicago sent infield prospect Cole Mathis to the Mets.
Peterson, 30, should enjoy a short commute to join his new club. The move was first reported by ESPN shortly after the Cubs swept a day-night doubleheader in Queens against the Mets on Wednesday night.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the lefty thus far in 2026, sporting a 6.09 ERA in 68.0 innings over 16 appearances, including eight starts. His peripherals, however, tell a bit of a different story. Despite his — and the Mets’ — struggles this season, Peterson has induced groundballs 51.1 percent of the time, sports an xFIP of 4.05 and is just two years removed from a 2.90 ERA in 121.0 innings.
For as much as the club would love to unlock that 2024 version of him, the Cubs don’t even need Peterson to become a top-of-the-rotation starter. This is about weathering a torrential storm and being able to field a full rotation. Peterson — whose contract runs through the end of the season — helps with that for now.
3 days ago
