As the Mets gear up for the 2026 season, their starting rotation is a fascinating blend of homegrown talent and strategic acquisitions. With emerging stars like Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, and Jonah Tong either solidifying their roles or knocking on the door, the team also leans on seasoned players acquired through free agency, such as Sean Manaea and Clay Holmes, and trade, like Freddy Peralta.
At the heart of this mix is David Peterson, a pitcher who finds himself in a unique position. As the longest-tenured Met, Peterson debuted during the COVID-shortened 2020 season and has spent his entire career with the team. Now, heading into a contract year, he's poised for a pivotal season that could define his future.
Peterson's career numbers tell the story of a pitcher who has consistently hovered around league average. With a 4.12 ERA over 622.2 innings, 614 strikeouts, a 1.373 WHIP, and a 98 ERA+, he's been steady, if not spectacular. He's never had a breakout year, nor a disastrous one, instead maintaining a steady presence in the rotation.
The 2025 season was a tale of two halves for Peterson. Through July, he was in peak form, boasting a 3.06 ERA over 109 innings with 93 strikeouts and a 1.239 WHIP.
His standout moment came with a complete game shutout, earning him a spot in the All-Star Game as a roster replacement. His July performance was particularly impressive, posting a 1.05 ERA over 25.2 innings, making him the Mets' most reliable starter at that time.
However, the wheels came off in August. Over the final two months, he struggled mightily, with a 6.68 ERA in August and an even rougher 9.72 ERA in September. Despite a brief uptick in strikeouts with a 10.2 K/9 in August, his September numbers plummeted, including a staggering 1.920 WHIP, as he allowed 18 hits in just under 17 innings.
One silver lining from 2025 was Peterson’s health. For the first time in years, he played a full season without injury setbacks, a notable feat considering his past struggles with shoulder fatigue in 2020, side soreness in 2021, and a torn labrum in 2024.
As Peterson enters 2026, the stakes are high. A performance mirroring the first half of 2025 could secure him a lucrative contract and greatly benefit the Mets.
Conversely, a repeat of his late-season struggles could spell trouble for both Peterson and the team. The season ahead is not just another chapter in his career but potentially a defining moment.