The Chicago Cubs went all-in at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, zeroing in on pitching, especially the rotation, by bringing in big names like Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes. But here’s the kicker: those moves didn’t really help in the playoffs when the offense couldn’t keep pace with the San Diego Padres. Now, as the offseason kicks into gear, it’s not Gausman or Holmes that MLB insider Robert Murray from Fansided.com is shouting about for 2027. Nope, he’s urging the Cubs to re-sign a former Mets pitcher they traded for last season, and it’s David Peterson.
A Second-Half Surge No One Saw Coming
Look, if you just glance at Peterson’s overall 4.79 ERA for 2026, you’d scratch your head. Why would anyone want to bring that back? But dig a little deeper, and the picture changes completely. After he landed with the Cubs, Peterson tossed 80.1 innings and posted a super respectable 3.70 ERA. That’s a massive turnaround from the ugly 6.09 ERA he carried with the Mets before the trade. Talk about a glow-up!
This wasn’t just a fluke, either. After the 2026 All-Star break, Peterson was a totally different dude. He took the mound for 13 games, racked up 66 total innings, went 5-1, punched out 67 batters, and dropped his ERA to a stellar 2.73 with a 3.57 FIP. Seriously, that’s ace-level stuff for a stretch! Murray says Peterson’s best days are ahead of him, and that second-half performance is screaming that he’s right. Plus, the Cubs’ elite defense played a huge role in Peterson’s success in that second half, which is huge for any pitcher.
The Offseason Bargain That Could Reshape 2027
Nobody is saying Peterson is going to be the next staff ace, but who cares? He fits perfectly as a fantastic fifth or sixth starter, or even a long reliever who can eat innings and bail the bullpen out. With the Cubs needing multiple pitching options for the 2027 season, Peterson makes a ton of sense. The best part? His struggles with the Mets might have tanked his free agency value, meaning he might not cost much to bring back. That’s a potential steal waiting to happen!
Murray isn’t just whispering about this either; he’s practically yelling that the Cubs should “strongly consider” bringing Peterson back on a new deal. While everyone expects Clay Holmes to opt out of his contract, it’s Peterson who has proven he can thrive in Chicago. The Cubs have some serious work to do this offseason to get the pitching staff ready for 2027, and securing a guy who found his groove and performed like Peterson did in the second half could be a low-risk, high-reward move. Keep your eyes peeled, because how the Cubs handle David Peterson could be a huge early indicator of their plans for next season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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