The New York Mets are reportedly edging closer to making a difficult roster decision involving struggling left-handed pitcher David Peterson, with growing speculation that the club could “pull the plug” on the $8.1 million All-Star amid his ongoing decline.
According to TJ French, the Mets’ disappointing 23–33 start to the 2026 season has already pushed the organization toward a youth-focused direction, placing added pressure on underperforming veterans. Among those most affected is Peterson, who has failed to meet expectations after signing a one-year, $8.1 million arbitration deal ahead of the season.
Peterson’s struggles have been particularly glaring on the mound this year. Through 12 appearances (including seven starts), he holds a 5.57 ERA, a number that balloons to 7.56 when isolated to his starting assignments. His most recent outing further highlighted his inconsistency, as he surrendered six runs on 11 hits in just five innings against a Cincinnati Reds lineup that is considered relatively modest offensively.
Once viewed as a promising arm in the Mets rotation, Peterson’s regression has become a major concern. The 2025 season had briefly offered hope, as he earned his first All-Star selection and posted a 4.22 ERA over 168.2 innings. However, that campaign also ended on a sour note, with late-season struggles contributing to the Mets’ collapse in August and September.
Despite being a longtime member of the organization since his 2020 debut, loyalty may no longer be enough to secure his rotation spot. The Mets have already experimented with using an opener in front of him to limit exposure to top opposing hitters, but the adjustment has done little to reverse his fortunes. Over his last 14 innings, Peterson has allowed nine earned runs, further intensifying calls for a change.
Interestingly, some advanced metrics suggest he may be due for improvement. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) sits at 3.03—significantly better than his inflated ERA—hinting that poor luck or defensive support may be contributing to his struggles. Still, results on the field have not reflected that potential regression.
Across seven MLB seasons, Peterson holds a career 40–35 record with a 4.23 ERA over 676 innings. While he has shown flashes of effectiveness, consistency has remained elusive, and his current form has placed his future in New York in serious doubt.
As the Mets continue reshaping their roster and leaning toward younger talent, Peterson’s place in the rotation appears increasingly uncertain, leaving fans and analysts debating whether the organization should give him more time or move on entirely.
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