If this happened last year around this time of year, you would think the New York Mets are nuts. Fast forward to June 2026 and it is now very much a reality. The Mets are moving left-hander David Peterson to the Chicago Cubs
In a late-night trade Wednesday night, New York agreed to send the veteran to Chicago, in exchange for a minor leaguer. The deal is not yet confirmed from either team. ESPN’s Jeff Passan was first to report the news.
Report: Mets Trade David Peterson to Cubs
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
The news comes just hours after the Mets lost their third-straight game to the Cubs, including a doubleheader sweep. The clubs allowed 20 runs to score combined in both doubleheader games and committed six errors in game two.
With the Mets (34-46) sitting dead last in the National League East, 14.5 games back of the Atlanta Braves and nine games back for the last NL Wild Card spot, this trade could be a sign of what’s to come. With roughly five weeks to go until the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline, the Mets could be facing a future fire-sale. It would be their second in the last three years, and first under president of baseball operations David Stearns.
Peterson, 30, is in the midst of the worst season of his career. After a wave of offseason replacements, Peterson had inherited the longest tenured Met throne. Now he will walk across the field and switch dugouts, with the Mets and Cubs set to play their series finale on Thursday.
In 16 games (eight starts), Peterson owns a dreadful 6.09 ERA and a 1.64 WHIP in 68 innings pitched. The lefty does, however, have a 3.65 FIP and 51.1% groundball rate. The Cubs need pitching, and the Mets understand they need to stat getting rid of theirs.
According to The Athletic’s Will Sammon, trading Peterson to Chicago is “not an indication that the Mets are in full sell-mode.” Though a contradicting report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan states that rival executives believe many more moves alike are to come for New York as we inch closer to trade season.
A one-time All-Star in 2025, Peterson, for his career has pitched to a 4.31 ERA in 147 games (690 2/3 IP) with 677 strikeouts.
Former two-way player Cole Mathis is the other piece in this deal. Drafted in the second round (54th overall) in the 2924 MLB Draft out of the College of Charleston, Mathis gave up on pitching and became a full-time hitter.
The 22-year-old is slashing .272/.392/.585, with 10 home runs, 39 RBIs, and a .981 OPS in 39 games across Low and High-A. Mathis can play third base and first base. Mathis, who was the Cubs’ No.13-ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, is seen as a first baseman in the long-term due to his limited athleticism.
The right-handed hitter is known for his solid contact abilities and plate discipline. Scouts say Mathis has 20+ home run potential if he stays healthy and adjusts to pro pitching. Mathis is currently on the 7-day injured list. Once Mathis will likely report to the Mets’ High-A affiliate Brooklyn Cyclones.
Main Photo Credits: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
