Mets Pitcher David Peterson Admits He’s Struggling — and It Might Cost Him New York

The New York Mets’ once-promising southpaw David Peterson has hit a wall — and it may cost him his future in Queens.

After earning an All-Star nod in 2025, the 2026 season has reportedly turned into a nightmare for the 29-year-old pitcher. Peterson has made just seven starts in 14 appearances, and his numbers have taken a noticeable nosedive. Sources close to the organization claim the front office is quietly losing patience, and trade rumors have only intensified in recent weeks.

When pressed about his struggles during a recent interview with SNY, Peterson didn’t sugarcoat anything. “I think sometimes that’s just part of baseball. You have some good ones, you have some bad ones,” he said. “I think it takes a long time to have a good year, so take it one day at a time, and then can fully evaluate the season itself at the end of the year… Continue to focus on each outing one at a time. Be as prepared at the highest level that I can be.”

Insiders say that kind of candid talk might be an admission that something deeper is going on — perhaps a mechanical issue, a mental block, or even a lack of confidence that has scouts around the league taking notice. “His velocity is down, his command has been shaky, and the Mets are in full sell-off mode,” one league insider told us, asking not to be named. “If Peterson doesn’t turn it around fast, he’s going to be dangled as trade bait before the deadline.”

Peterson’s track record suggests he can still be a difference-maker. He logged 30 starts for New York last year and showed flashes of dominance. But with the Mets mired in last place in the NL East with a dismal 29-38 record, the pressure is mounting. Trading Peterson could net the club much-needed prospects — but only if he proves he can still pitch at an elite level.

Observers are buzzing about what a potential deal might look like. Contenders in need of rotation depth are reportedly keeping a close eye on his next handful of outings. “Every start is an audition now,” another insider said. “He’s pitching for his spot — in New York or somewhere else.”

For now, Peterson insists he’s taking it one day at a time. But with the rumor mill churning and the Mets sinking, the clock is ticking louder than ever.