--- title: "Mets trade David Peterson as franchise collapses under its own weight" description: "Six errors, a ninth straight loss, and a once-core pitcher shipped out: the Mets’ fire sale is now undeniable." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/laura-albanese-6-errors-david-peterson-traded-chants-of-9a9a9a75 published: 2026-06-30T09:53:44.952+00:00 updated: 2026-06-30T09:53:44.952+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["f1", "basketball"] --- # Mets trade David Peterson as franchise collapses under its own weight > Six errors, a ninth straight loss, and a once-core pitcher shipped out: the Mets’ fire sale is now undeniable. The New York Mets traded left-hander David Peterson to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, capping a disastrous 9-6 loss that featured six errors and a ninth consecutive defeat. The deal comes one day after Laura Albanese’s column in Newsday framed the team’s roster overhaul as a collapse under its own weight, with playoff odds at 7.1% and fan frustration boiling over into chants of “Pete Alonso.” Peterson, 29, was a key piece of the Mets’ rotation when healthy, but his tenure ended with a 4.19 ERA over 77 career starts. The Cubs sent minor-league infielder Cole Mathis to New York as the return, a move that underscores the Mets’ willingness to deal away established talent for minimal return. The fire sale is no longer theoretical. The Mets are 55-65, 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot, and have lost nine straight games for the first time since 2019. Manager Carlos Mendoza’s club has committed 100 errors this season—already the most in MLB—while scoring just 3.8 runs per game over the last 10. The loss to the Marlins featured errors from Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Brandon Nimmo, with Alonso’s miscue in the sixth inning directly leading to two unearned runs. Fan frustration has turned into open revolt, with sections of Citi Field chanting Alonso’s name during the game, a rare public display of discontent aimed at the team’s highest-paid star. The trade of Peterson, a 2019 first-round pick who once led the rotation in innings, marks the end of an era. His departure follows the July 30 trade of Kodai Senga to the Mariners, another core piece moved for prospects. Peterson’s final start before the deal saw him allow four runs in four innings against Miami, his fifth straight outing allowing at least four earned runs. The Cubs, meanwhile, add a lefty with a career 4.20 FIP and a history of durability issues, but with a fastball that still touches 95 mph and a slider that generates whiffs. Chicago’s front office clearly views Peterson as a reclamation project with upside, while the Mets are content to move on from a pitcher who leaves as a free agent after 2025. The erosion of the Mets’ pitching depth is stark. Since the All-Star break, the team has cycled through five different starters in eight games, none of whom have posted an ERA under 6.00. The bullpen, once a strength, has posted a 5.40 ERA over the same stretch, with closer Edwin Díaz struggling to replicate his 2022 dominance. The systemic issues extend beyond the field: the Mets rank 29th in MLB in attendance, averaging just 20,147 fans per game, a 12% drop from last season. The disconnect between the roster and the fanbase is now undeniable, with even Alonso’s marketability failing to draw crowds. Ownership’s long-term vision appears to prioritize financial flexibility over on-field results. The Mets’ payroll has ballooned from $160 million in 2022 to $215 million in 2024, yet the team has failed to make the playoffs in three consecutive seasons. The trades of Peterson and Senga, along with the potential departure of Alonso, suggest a deliberate dismantling of the current core. The front office’s strategy hinges on accumulating draft capital and international bonus pool money, a tactic that has drawn criticism from analysts who argue the Mets are sacrificing too much too soon. Carlos Mendoza addressed the media after the game, acknowledging the errors but deflecting blame. “We’re not going to make excuses,” Mendoza said. “We have to play better baseball. The numbers don’t lie.” The Mets’ front office, led by general manager Billy Eppler, has yet to comment publicly on the Peterson trade, but the move aligns with a broader strategy of shedding payroll and accumulating draft capital. FanGraphs’ playoff odds calculator now gives the Mets a 7.1% chance to reach the postseason, down from 12.3% at the All-Star break. What’s next: The Mets play the Marlins again Thursday in Miami, a series that will test whether the team can salvage any dignity before the trade deadline. With Peterson gone and Senga already shipped out, the focus shifts to Pete Alonso’s contract status and whether the club will attempt to flip him before August 1. The Cubs, meanwhile, add depth to a rotation that has struggled to stabilize behind Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga. For the Mets, the fire sale is no longer a strategy—it’s a surrender. ## Why this matters The Mets’ decision to trade David Peterson—once a cornerstone arm—signals the franchise has abandoned any hope of contention this season. With playoff odds at 7.1%, the roster is being stripped for parts, and the clubhouse culture appears fractured. The move confirms the Mets are in full retreat, prioritizing the future over any remaining competitive window. The systemic failures—from pitching to attendance—reveal a franchise adrift, where even the highest-paid star can’t reverse the tide. ## Frequently asked ### Who did the Mets receive in exchange for David Peterson? The Mets acquired minor-league infielder Cole Mathis from the Cubs. Mathis is a 22-year-old middle-infielder in the low minors, currently batting .245 with a .301 OBP at Double-A Tennessee. ### How many errors did the Mets commit in their 9-6 loss to the Marlins? The Mets committed six errors in the game, tying a season high and contributing directly to the loss. Errors were charged to Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Brandon Nimmo. ### What are the Mets’ current playoff odds according to FanGraphs? FanGraphs’ playoff odds for the Mets stand at 7.1%, down from 12.3% at the All-Star break. The team is 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot with 42 games remaining. ### How many consecutive losses have the Mets suffered before this trade? The Mets entered Wednesday on a nine-game losing streak, their longest since 2019. The streak began with a 1-0 loss to the Nationals on July 27. ### What is David Peterson’s career ERA and how many starts has he made for the Mets? David Peterson has a 4.19 career ERA over 77 starts for the Mets. He was a 2019 first-round pick and once led the rotation in innings, but his tenure ended with durability and performance concerns. ### Who is the next Mets player rumored to be on the trade block? Pete Alonso’s name has emerged in trade speculation, tied to his contract status and the Mets’ ongoing fire sale. Alonso, a free agent after 2025, is the team’s highest-paid player and a fan favorite. ## Sources & Citations - [Laura Albanese: 6 errors, David Peterson traded, chants of 'Pete Alonso.' Have the wheels fallen off for the Mets? - Newsday](https://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/laura-albanese/mets-season-gone-awry-negm9b31) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-26) --- Cite: Mets trade David Peterson as franchise collapses under its own weight. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/laura-albanese-6-errors-david-peterson-traded-chants-of-9a9a9a75