Three Mets prospects who could make the leap to MLB this year

David Peterson

It feels like David Peterson is the last pitching prospect left over from the pre-Brodie Van Wagenen days. Many have been traded away while the big lefty has continued to climb up the minor league system.

This year, we should expect to see Peterson open up in Syracuse. He got a full season in Double-A last year and there’s little reason to hold him back.

Peterson didn’t have a fantastic 2019 season, finishing the year at 3-6 with a 4.19 ERA in 24 starts. Something he did do well, however, was strike batters out and keep walks down. His 9.5 strikeouts per nine and 2.9 walks per nine pair together well.

The Mets have a few options for the rotation who should get a start before Peterson does. Aside from a few choices on the big league roster who will primarily line up as bullpen arms to start 2020, there’s also Walker Lockett and Stephen Gonsalves in the minors.

Peterson’s time for big league action will come. This year, if he does make that leap to the show, it may be as a reliever.

This could change if Peterson is hot and dominating down in Triple-A. We haven’t seen the Mets promote a stud pitching prospect in what feels like half a decade. If anyone beats the streak, it’s Peterson.

Eventually, Peterson should find himself fighting for a rotation spot in the big leagues. Next year looks like the most opportune time to do so with several current starters in their last season before free agency.

Because the Mets may have big plans for Peterson, this season may give them the chance to let him work out some rookie jitters.