As a New York Mets fan, it’s never too early to look ahead—many of us play the role of armchair General Manager on a daily basis. However, one player has been quietly exceeding expectations and building an impressive case for a lucrative payday next offseason. That pitcher? Left-handed starter .
At just 29 years old, he has started to develop into the pitcher Mets fans hoped he would be when the team selected him 20th overall in the 2017 MLB Draft out of the University of Oregon. His first four seasons in the Majors were marked by inconsistency, but after undergoing hip surgery following the 2023 season, he appears to have turned a corner. That procedure may have been the key factor in his recent success.
He has been a revelation for the Mets pitching staff and he should be viewed as a long-term piece.
While the surgery may have helped him physically, credit must also be given to Pitching Coach Jeremy Hefner and the renowned Pitching Lab for refining his skills over the past year. Their work has played a significant role in his improved performance on the mound. Across 21 starts last season,he delivered the best statistical campaign of his career, posting a 2.90 ERA and a 1.289 WHIP while helping the Mets secure a postseason berth.
In a league where starting pitching depth is highly valued, it would be wise for David Stearns and the Mets to explore a long-term extension for Peterson. Investing in him would be a smart move, as he isn’t a pitcher who relies solely on velocity but instead keeps hitters off balance with his diverse pitch arsenal, including a devastating sinker. Additionally, he has plenty of mileage left on his arm, having never thrown more than 121 innings in a season—his career high in 2024.
Peterson is set to hit free agency after the 2026 season, but if the Mets are interested in securing his future now, they could easily negotiate an extension. By buying out his final arbitration year and adding a few extra seasons, they could solidify his place in Queens as a key rotation piece for the remainder of the decade.
