David Peterson Finds New Opportunity with Cubs

David Peterson, the former Mets pitcher, is looking forward to a new chapter in Chicago. After finalizing his contract with the Cubs Wednesday night, he expressed his enthusiasm for this “new opportunity” outside of New York.

“I’m really excited about this fresh start,” Peterson noted during a press conference on Friday. “Honestly, I’m still a bit in shock… but I feel good and healthy. I had some issues at the beginning of the year, which I think I’ve sorted out. I feel more like my old self.” He mentioned feeling better and more like he did in his earlier playing days.

Notably, Peterson’s trade came just hours after the Mets were overwhelmed by the Cubs in a doubleheader, losing 20-8. He was traded for Cole Mathis, the Cubs’ No. 13 draft pick.

The 30-year-old had a rough start to the 2026 season with the Mets, recording a 6.09 ERA over 68 innings while being pulled from the starting roster early on.

According to Jed Hoyer, the Cubs’ director of baseball operations, discussions between the two teams had been ongoing for about six weeks. The urgency, however, surged due to injuries affecting the Cubs’ rotation.

“We had several discussions—it’s typical in these situations. You start to look at players, and there’s no rush to make a deal,” Hoyer explained. “But once Cabrera and Brown got hurt, it became more critical to finalize something.”

This trade caught many off guard, especially since Peterson had been a mainstay for the Mets since the shortened 2020 season. He was also a first-round pick back in 2017.

Reflecting on the emotional aspect of trades, Cubs captain Craig Counsell remarked, “No one really prepares you for being traded. You usually get a call or summoned to the office, which is never good news. It’s tough for everyone involved.” He acknowledged that Peterson might be feeling the weight of this transition, and it may take time for him to adjust.