Chicago Cubs Trade For Crafty Left-Handed Starter From New York Mets

About New Chicago Cubs Starter, David Peterson:

Peterson will now enter a depleted Cubs rotation that fangraphs stated includes lefty Shota Imanaga, and right-handers Colin Rae, and Javier Assad. An additional starter to add with Peterson is yet to be determined.

Peterson is 6-6, 240 pounds.

Peterson was drafted in the 28th round by the Red Sox in 2014, out of Regis Jesuit High School, in Aurora Colorado.

He chose, however, to attend the University of Oregon, where he was a strikeout machine.

He was a 1st round draft pick of the New York Mets in 2017, out of the University of Oregon at Eugene.

As the No. 20 player taken in the draft, Peterson was given a $2,994,500 signing bonus.

At the time of the draft, the big lefty was considered a top Mets prospect by most analysts. He was generally considered a Grade 55 starter-which equates to a better than average pitcher.

brooksbaseball.net indicates Peterson has a very complete, and deep repertoire.

He throws a four-seam fastball at 92.66 MPH, a sinking fastball at 93.11 MPH, a slider at 86.35 MPH, a curve at 81 MPH, and a changeup at 86.39 MPH.

brooks indicates he relies on his four-seam fastball on 27.04% of his pitches, with his slider being used 28.06% of the time.

Peterson deploys his sinker on 19.90% of his pitches. His changeup is used 12.76%, and his curve on 12.24% of his pitches.

Peterson may have been available to the Cubs due to a down year so far in 2026.

An All Star for the Mets in 2025, Peterson has made 6.09eight starts this year. He has pitched to a 6.09 ERA, and 1.64 WHIP in 68 innings.

Peterson has yielded 4 walks per nine innings, while striking out 8.3 hitters per nine.

In his eight starts, Peterson has yielded six home runs.

About New York Mets New Prospect, Cole Mathis:

Cole Mathis is listed as a corner infielder by mlb.com.

However, he pitched at University of Charleston, as well as being a position player.

The 22-year-old Mathis is 22-years old.6-2, 210 pounds.

Mathis is now listed as the No.14 New York Mets prospect by mlb.com. The site gives him an overall grade of 40, which means he is not slated to be a regular player for the Mets.

Of course, the rating and grading are subjective, but the site indicates Mathis’ best tool is his Grade 60 arm. He was a pitcher, so that equates.

They grade his hit tool at 50, his power at 50, his running ability at 40, and his fielding at 40.

Those numbers seem to equate to at least a Grade 45-major league role player-to this old scout.

Mathis was a pitcher and corner infielder at the College of Charleston.

While in college, Mathis hit .327/.451/.606/.1.057, with 38 doubles, three triples, 24 home runs, and 112 RBIs in 519 plate appearances, over parts of three seasons.

Mathis stole 22 bases, in 27 attempts.

He pitched rather well at College of Charleston, but it is likely he will be used strictly as a position player for the Mets.

The Cubs drafted him in the 2nd round of the 2024 draft.

He was given a $1,681,200 signing bonus by the Cubs.

bleedcubblue.com has stated Mathis is currently on the Injured List, where he’s spent much of his professional career. Mathis had Tommy John surgery in 2024, and wasn’t able to make his pro debut until the next season.”

Mathis is said to have excellent raw power, but that has not quite developed.

Mathis has flashed excellent exit velocity, with an aggressive approach at the plate on pitches he feels he can drive.

Summary of Trade Between Chicago Cubs and New York Mets:

The Cubs badly needed a starting pitcher.

They obtained lefty David Peterson, who is having a down year.

For their part, the New York Mets received a corner infielder with some promise. Even though Cole Mathis isn’t rated highly, he could develop well.

By trading for prospect Cole Mathis, the New York Mets have added depth to their farm system.

By trading for crafty lefty, David Peterson, the Chicago Cubs have bolstered an injured pitching staff.