Mets' David Peterson traded to Cubs in exchange for prospect, reports say

NEW YORK — With the Mets sinking to 12 games under .500 for the first time this season, they have made their first major move to shake up the roster.

According to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, David Peterson is being traded to the Cubs. Cole Mathis, the Cubs’ No. 12 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, will be headed back to the Mets in the deal, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon.

After earning his first All-Star selection last season, Peterson is off to his rockiest start in his major league career this season. The left-hander is 3-6 with a 6.09 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in 16 appearances, including eight starts.

Peterson, who was drafted by the Mets in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft, is due to become a free agent for the first time at the end of the 2026 season.

Peterson’s best season came in 2024 when he finished 10-3 with a 2.90 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 101 strikeouts in 121 innings. He earned the Wild Card-clinching save in Game 3 against the Brewers and made two more scoreless appearances against the Phillies in the NLDS.

Mathis is a 22-year-old corner infield prospect who was drafted by the Cubs in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of the College of Charleston. The Georgia native has played 25 games with High-A South Bend, where he is slashing .260/.371/.490 with three home runs, nine doubles, 22 RBI and 22 runs.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Mets’ David Peterson traded to Cubs for prospect Cole Mathis