4 years ago

New York Mets starting pitcher David Peterson is no longer guaranteed a spot in the Mets' rotation. Given the team's numerous offseason moves including signing Marcus Stroman to a qualifying offer, trading for Carlos Carrasco and Joey Lucchesi, and signing free-agent Taijuan Walker to a two-year deal, the Mets now have a number of SP arms. As a result, Mets' officials have reportedly discussed with Peterson the possibility of competing for a spot in the rotation despite his having finished second on the Mets' rotational depth chart in 2020. Peterson is coming off of a solid 2020 rookie campaign in which he posted a 3.44 ERA, a 1.21 WHIP, and a 40:24 K:BB in 49 2/3 innings pitched over nine starts. However, over the past three seasons in the majors and minors, Peterson has never pitched more than a total of 129 innings. As a result, even before Walker was signed, it was anticipated Peterson may be subjected to an innings limit in 2021. Now with Walker on board, even if Peterson wins the fifth rotation spot outright, the Mets may opt to eventually place him in a timeshare with Lucchesi to limit innings. Additionally, once Noah Syndergaard (elbow) returns from the injured list, playing time will become even more tenuous for Peterson. Peterson could ultimately end up in a swingman role (similar to Ross Stripling's role with the Dodgers before he was dealt to Toronto) irrespective of how he performs in the spring or early part of the 2021 campaign. This would, obviously, limit his fantasy appeal for the 2021 season. Managers rostering Peterson should be prepared to temper expectations given the possibility that Peterson will not win and/or hold a rotation spot for the duration of the season.--Nick Ritrivi - RotoBaller
Source: MLB.com