The Mets traded left-hander David Peterson to the Cubs for 22-year-old infielder Cole Mathis. On paper, it makes sense for both sides, but there’s some painful history between these franchises that’s worth remembering.
Peterson wasn’t working out in New York. His ERA sat above 6.00, he’d lost his rotation spot, and he’s heading to free agency this winter. The Mets needed to get something back before losing him for nothing.
The Cubs saw opportunity where the Mets saw problems. Peterson’s 3.58 FIP suggests he’s been unlucky, and Chicago’s elite defense could help him bounce back. They needed rotation help, so it’s a logical gamble.
But here’s what stings for Mets fans.
The Pete Crow-Armstrong Nightmare
Every Cubs trade brings back memories of Pete Crow-Armstrong. In 2021, the Mets sent their former first-round pick to Chicago for Javier Baez and Trevor Williams.
The logic seemed sound at the time. Crow-Armstrong had missed most of his first pro season with a shoulder injury, while Baez was supposed to be the missing piece for a playoff push. The Mets didn’t see the long-term upside in their young outfielder.
That decision haunts them now.
Baez didn’t help the Mets reach the playoffs. Meanwhile, Crow-Armstrong has developed into one of baseball’s most valuable young players. He’s become everything the Mets hoped he’d be – just in a Cubs uniform.
Different Circumstances This Time
That said, the Peterson trade isn’t the same situation. Peterson is 30 and heading to free agency. Keeping him would’ve meant risking losing him for nothing this winter.
Getting Mathis, a 2024 second-round pick, represents solid value for a pitcher who wasn’t contributing. The way I see it, the Mets made the right move here.
Who knows? Maybe in four years, it’ll be the Cubs regretting this deal the same way the Mets regret trading Crow-Armstrong. That’s baseball – you never really know how these things will play out until years down the road.
