Mets of the Future: Prospect David Peterson looks like the real deal
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The number one pitcher in the New York Mets system, David Peterson, looks like he’s the real deal.
New York Mets pitching prospect David Peterson is the top-ranked arm in their system. Behind only shortstop Andres Gimenez on MLB.com’s ranking, the Mets are hoping for a lot out of him in the next few seasons.
Thankfully, his professional career has started off incredibly well.
Peterson made only three starts last year for the Brooklyn Cyclones. It’s not worth reading into those numbers as they equated into only 3.2 of an inning. From it, we got a glimpse at a guy with strikeout potential.
This year, however, we have seen Peterson make seven starts and deliver 44.1 innings through the end of May. He took away a 1-3 record with a much more notable 2.03 ERA. He’s not striking out batters at the same rate but continues to keep runs off the board.
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Currently with the Columbia Fireflies in the South Atlantic League, Peterson has a few more steps before we begin wondering how soon he makes his big league debut.
The big lefty is projected by MLB.com to see his first taste of Mets baseball in 2020, which at this point seems fair. Let’s give him 2018 to dominate the Single-A level. In 2019, Peterson should have a real chance to pitch at Double-A and Triple-A before he gets a promotion to the show.
By no means should fans expect Peterson to become an ace. He’s more of a number two or three at best. Although, who would have thought differently of Jacob deGrom?
Alongside the franchise’s number three prospect Justin Dunn, Peterson should make up one-fifth of the Mets rotation in a few years.
That’s if everything goes according to plan.
As a 6’6 lefty with a 240-pound frame, Peterson has the build to pitch in the big leagues. Even if a career as a starter doesn’t work, I would imagine there’s a spot in the bullpen for someone like this.
Next: Grading the Mets offseason free agent signings
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Peterson is well on his way to having an impact in the major leagues. Let’s just stay a little patient, cross our fingers, and enjoy the ride.