Photo by Kristin Basnett
While speaking with reporters today at the GM Meetings on a myriad of issues, Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen indicated David Peterson may be making his Major League debut sooner rather than later.
Peterson pitched with Double-A Binghamton last year. In 24 starts, he was 3-6 with a 4.19 ERA, 1.345 WHIP, 2.9 K/9, and a 9.5 K/9. While those numbers may seem lackluster, Peterson had a promising 3.19 FIP and 2.91 xFIP.
At the moment, the Mets plan on having Peterson begin the season with Triple-A Syracuse. That said, Van Wagenen added Peterson could “be a contributor early in the season in 2020.”
There is some room for interpretation as to what exactly early in the season could mean. Noatably, the Mets are looking for a fifth starter this offseason with Zack Wheeler being a free agent. If the Mets truly believe Peterson is truly on the cusp of making his debut, you do wonder how much competition they’ll bring in to compete with him in Spring Training.
Of course, there’s always the possibility Peterson could be shifted to the bullpen. Certainly, with the new reliever rules to be implemented in 2020, left handed pitchers who can pitch to left-handed and right-handed batters alike are a real commodity. Aside from that, the Mets need as much help in the bullpen as possible.
At this moment, it’s all conjecture, but it is a positive sign the Mets appear this bullish on the former first round draft pick. If nothing else, Stephen Gonsalves, Corey Oswalt, and Peterson present upper level organizational starting pitching depth which was not necessarily present in 2019.
