Trade Breakdown: David Peterson and Cole Mathis

It's not quite Trade Deadline time yet, but that doesn't mean trades aren't happening. The Mets and Cubs struck a deal to send David Peterson to Chicago and Cole Mathis to New York. While not a major blockbuster trade, it's one of the rare player for player trades this time of year with a big league arm being moved for a prospect.

Cubs Return

The Cubs are acquiring 30 year old southpaw David Peterson, a left handed pitcher. The need for big league arms is clear for Chicago who has dealt with more than their share of injuries thus far this season. Getting a pitcher who they can plug right into their pitching staff is a good return for them.

Peterson has operated mostly as a starter during his time in the majors, dating back to 2020. This season he's taken on more of a hybrid role, starting in eight of the 16 games he's appeared in. This gives the Cubs some flexibility in how they will deploy him. In 68 innings Peterson holds a 6.09 ERA with a 19.7 percent strikeout rate and a 9.4 percent walk rate. He's had much more success as a reliever this year, posting a 4.11 ERA through 30.2 innings, as opposed to his ERA north of seven in 37.1 innings as a starter.

He throws a four seam fastball and sinker that operate in the low-90's, along with a pair of breaking balls and a changeup. While he doesn't blow batters away with velocity, he does get seven feet of extension with his pitches, which helps them to play up.

Mets Return

The Mets get one prospect in return for Peterson, and that is Cole Mathis, who was a second round pick in 2024. He's split this season between Single-A and High-A, combining to hit .272 with 10 home runs and seven steals to go along with a 24.2 percent strikeout rate and 14.8 percent walk rate. Defensively he's spent time at both corner infield spots.

Mathis is an offensively driven prospect, who has a chance for above average power and an average hit tool. That may not be the best outcome for an everyday first baseman, but it is enough for him to be an asset to a lineup.

Per his report, written by Mitch Stachnik:

"Sticking at third base would reduce the offensive pressure on his bat, but regardless of position, his hitting ability gives him a chance to make an impact at the big-league level. While injuries have slowed the early part of his professional career, Mathis’s offensive upside keeps him an intriguing prospect to watch."

The injuries his report are referring to recurring elbow problems. Mathis was a two way player, but shortly after being drafted underwent Tommy John Surgery and transitioned into being a full time hitter. The elbow issues flared up again in 2025, when he was sidelined with an elbow sprain.

If Mathis is healthy he has potential on the offensive side of the ball. He carries a 40 OFP on Prospects Live, mostly due to the pressure on his bat to perform. This is still a very good get for the Mets, who will look to further develop Mathis's skillset. Health and defense remain questions to the profile, but he's showing in 2026 that his bat is ready to make some noise.