5 true words NY Mets fans never thought they'd say about David Peterson

There are sentences that New York Mets fans have rehearsed for years, like “Edwin Díaz is lights out” or “Brandon Nimmo got on base again.” They come easily. They feel right. And then there are the phrases that feel like they belong in some alternate Citi Field reality. Ones that would’ve sounded sarcastic, if not slightly unhinged, just two years ago.

But here we are in July 2025, and one of those formerly unthinkable lines has not only entered the chat, but it’s also started trending among the Flushing faithful. Say it slowly, just to let the truth settle in: "This guy is an ace". Weird? Maybe. True? Absolutely. And the more you dig into what David Peterson has done since the middle of last season, the harder it is to argue otherwise.

Since the middle of 2024, David Peterson has carried the Mets’ pitching staff like a true ace.

Peterson’s 3.06 ERA this season is exactly the kind of steady performance the Mets' pitching staff has been longing for. His 1.24 WHIP might suggest some base runners, but Peterson has a knack for wriggling out of trouble and keeping the scoreboard clean. More importantly, he’s shown rare durability in a rotation that has often left Mets fans holding their breath, pitching into the sixth inning or later in 14 of his 18 starts is a quiet gift in today’s innings-economy game.

What makes him valuable is how he turns pressure into outs. Ranking in the top 6% of MLB for ground ball rate, he keeps hitters on the ground, which helps him induce 13 double plays in medium and high-leverage situations. Those double plays have been crucial in cutting down rallies and limiting damage when runners get on base. It’s the kind of steady presence the Amazins' have needed as other starters have faltered or fallen to injuries.

Looking back on last season, his rise has been building for a while. Since July 1, 2024, he’s maintained a 2.88 ERA, allowed only 12 home runs, and struck out 174 batters over 203 innings. Those numbers are the backbone of a quietly dominant stretch, proving that his current form isn’t a fluke but the arrival of a dependable leader on the mound.

For Mets fans, admitting "this guy is an ace" once felt impossible. But David Peterson’s mix of durability, clutch pitching, and steady dominance since mid-2024 has changed the narrative. He’s no longer just a reliable arm, he’s the backbone of a rotation desperate for stability. If this is the new reality, Mets fans might find themselves saying those five words more often than they ever imagined.