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As the January 8 arbitration deadline arrived across Major League Baseball, New York Mets made a decisive offseason move to stabilize their pitching staff, avoiding uncertainty while sending a clear message about their 2026 plans.
With arbitration talks intensifying league-wide, New York moved quickly to secure one of its most reliable arms, finalizing a deal that stands out among recent settlements.
New York Mets avoid arbitration with David Peterson
According to Robert Murray, Mets avoided arbitration with David Peterson, agreeing to a one-year, $8.1 million contract for the 2026 season.
The deal ensures the return of the left-handed starter, who emerged as a key piece of New York’s rotation last year and earned his first All-Star start with the franchise.
Peterson’s agreement represents the most significant arbitration settlement for Mets this winter. While New York entered the offseason with several arbitration-eligible players, Tyrone Taylor was previously the only one to reach an agreement before Thursday. Peterson’s deal now anchors a group of pitchers New York Mets were determined to retain.
Pitching stability becomes priority
In addition to Peterson, the Mets also avoided arbitration hearings with Tylor Megill ($2.5 million), Huascar Brazoban ($1.05 million), and Reed Garrett, locking in four pitchers who played meaningful roles during the 2025 campaign.
Retaining that collective production provides continuity for a staff that showed flashes of consistency despite injuries and rotation turnover.
Peterson, now entering his seventh MLB season, has spent his entire career with New York Mets. Across 115 career starts, he owns a 4.12 ERA, but recent seasons have marked a clear upward trend.
The 2025 campaign proved to be his most durable yet, as he set career highs in starts, innings pitched, and strikeouts, solidifying his role as a dependable rotation piece.
Building on recent success
Peterson’s progress has been evident for multiple seasons. In 2024, he delivered one of the strongest years of his career, posting a 2.90 ERA over 21 starts and 121 innings, a mark that stood as a career low.
That momentum carried into 2025, making New York Mets’ decision to retain him a calculated and necessary move amid an uncertain offseason market.
If New York does not add another starter via free agency or trade, Peterson is expected to take on an even larger role in 2026, alongside Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean. Meanwhile, Brazoban and Garrett return after productive bullpen seasons, providing stability behind the rotation.
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