The Cubs have finally attempted to boost the rotation, but the David Peterson trade may not be enough to help Chicago in 2026. Following a sweep in the double header on June 24th, it is being reported that the team traded for the left-handed pitcher. In return, the Cubs will be trading Cole Mathis, who was their 13th-ranked prospect. While it is not a major trade, it does have a significant impact on the rest of the 2026 season.
Trade news: The Chicago Cubs are acquiring left-hander David Peterson from the New York Mets, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 25, 2026
Behind the David Peterson Trade
In his career, Peterson has been a solid arm, with a record of 40-36. He has also accumulated a 4.31 ERA and 677 strikeouts. However, this season has been one of the worst of his career. In 16 games, he is 3-6 with a 6.09 ERA. This poor performance, along with the Mets’ struggles, had made him a prime candidate for teams in need of new starters. Chicago has hopes that he will be able to turn the season around, as he is backed by an elite defense.
Filling a Major Need
It is no secret that starting pitching has become the biggest weakness of the team. For nearly the entire season, the Cubs have been down a starter. At this point, it is easier to keep track of which pitchers are injured rather than who has been able to stay healthy. Although Matthew Boyd is set to return, the team has seen more setbacks. Edward Cabrera got carted off and is set to miss a few weeks. Ben Brown, who was in the midst of a breakout season, has suffered a neck injury and joined the injured list.
As a result of the struggles and injuries, the Cubs have been linked to some major trade targets, and while Peterson is not on the same level, he is still a very quality addition. Chicago had needed a lot of help, as it was running out of options. While this is clearly a bit of a panic move, it is something that the team needed to do. It would not have been possible to survive the next few weeks of the game without making an addition. Now, Cubs fans will not need to wait long to see him in action, as he could see a start as soon as this weekend.
Expect new Cub starter David Peterson to pitch against the Brewers this weekend.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) June 25, 2026
Lack of Risk
Luckily for the Cubs, there is very little risk with this trade. They will not be linked to him long, as he is a free agent after this season. Additionally, while Mathis is a talented prospect, he does not have a clear role on the team. Chicago is full of talent in the infield at the major league level and with other prospects as well. If this trade does not work out, then it will not be a massive loss. To put it simply, it is nothing more than an attempt to stabilize the pitching for the 2026 season. If Peterson at least turns into a solid player, then it is likely a win.
He does not need to be an elite starter, as he just needs to be able to hold the rotation down until some of the other starters return. If he does impress them, then he could slot in as the fifth starter or could potentially help the Cubs transition into a six-man rotation. The left-hander is not a difference maker but has proven in the past to be a quality option. After all, he was an all-star last year. This has become a pretty strong low-risk, high-reward move for Chicago. For the time being, it looks to be a low-level win-win trade. Neither the Cubs nor the Mets will be heavily impacted for now.
Last Word on the David Peterson Trade
The David Peterson trade is a prime example of what the Cubs needed to do right now. It may not be time to break the bank for an elite starter, as there is still a long way to go before the trade deadline. It should be enough to hold Chicago over until the rest of the team can recover. The worst-case scenario is that he will end up serving as a bullpen piece for the rest of 2026. While Peterson may not be a headline-grabbing addition, the Cubs are betting that his durability and upside can provide reliable depth down the stretch of the season.
Main Image Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
