5 NY Mets trades that would swap David Peterson for another starting pitcher

David Peterson’s name has finally been mentioned in recent New York Mets rumors. An All-Star campaign that fizzled out late, the team’s need for a starting rotation change should have always led them to the idea of dealing away Peterson in his last year of arbitration eligibility. He’s not going to make much money and for teams looking to compete but hoping to open up payroll space, he makes a lot of sense.

Some of these trades would need some additional players added to them to work. However, the major framework is giving them Peterson to help them compete immediately while removing a higher-paid player from their roster. With the savings, the other team can invest elsewhere. The Mets improve (hopefully) their rotation and take at least one step toward building a more competent rotation.

A projected salary of $9.2 million for next year, we’re looking for pitchers making more money and on teams who have reason to clear some salary space while competing.

1) Mitch Keller

A member of the PIttsburgh Pirates who apparently tried to make some sort of realistic offer toward Kyle Schwarber, we should expect them to at least try to win in some regards next year. The dam hasn’t broken yet on an all-out offseason. Some sort of trade involving Mitch Keller and Peterson is one way to clear salary space they could use to improve the lackluster lineup. We’ll even throw in Jeff McNeil if it means that much to you.

Keller’s contract meets the three-year criteria limit David Stearns seems stuck on. Earning escalating amounts over the next three years starting with $16.9 million next year and ending at $20.4 million in 2028, he’s not a payroll burden for the Mets.

The benefits of trading Keller for Peterson award the Mets with a more proven pitcher who can get through the year and assure them they don’t lose their guy for nothing at the end of 2026. He’s purely a rental for Pittsburgh. With the extra cash they save, the investment can go toward actually putting together a competitive lineup.

One-for-one probably doesn’t work. Let’s see what they can add on both sides to make this a worthwhile trade.

Makes sense if...Pirates get a hitter, too or the salary relief frees them up to sign someone.