The Chicago Cubs acquired left-hander David Peterson from the New York Mets in exchange for minor league infielder Cole Mathis on Thursday.
Peterson, who made the National League All-Star team last season, is 3-6 with a 6.09 ERA this season while bouncing between the rotation and long relief.
He likely will move into the rotation for the Cubs. Three of Chicago’s starters from the intended five-man rotation — Edward Cabrera (hamstring), Cade Horton (right UCL surgery) and Jameson Taillon (hamstring) — are on the injured list and left-hander Matthew Boyd (knee) was just activated to start Thursday’s series finale versus the Mets.
Welcome to Chicago, David! pic.twitter.com/qO8Eyj4iG9
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 25, 2026
Peterson, 30, has one save in 16 games (eight starts) this season. He will be a free agent at the conclusion of the campaign.
“David grew up in the Mets system and was a true professional throughout his time here,” said David Stearns, president of baseball operations with the Mets. “He is a fearless competitor who represented the organization with class and respect. David had many incredible moments during his Mets tenure including closing out Game 3 of the 2024 wild card series as well as a selection to the 2025 All-Star Game. We thank David and his family and wish them nothing but the best going forward.”
Peterson is 40-36 with a 4.31 ERA in 147 career games (123 starts) over seven seasons with New York. He was selected by the Mets in the first round of the 2017 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Oregon.
Mathis, 22, is batting .272 with 10 homers and 39 RBIs in 39 games this season split with two minor league teams. The 2024 second-round pick has yet to make his major league debut.
Mathis was the Cubs 13th-best prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.
–Field Level Media
