NY Mets depth chart: 2 players moving up in July, 2 moving down

Moving up: David Peterson has removed doubts about where he belongs in the Mets rotation

If the playoffs started today, the Mets couldn’t go wrong by choosing David Peterson to kick things off. Would they? It seems a bit bold even if his representation as an All-Star in 2025 suggests it’s the most logical thing to do. Relegated to relief duty in last year’s playoffs, Peterson has done a swell job at erasing any doubts about where he fits in with the Mets. He is a top of the rotation arm.

July has been superb for Peterson. In two starts, he’s 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA. He continues to do what works best for him. With 10 strikeouts in 13.2 innings, Peterson is relying on his defense to get through innings. This confidence, particularly with the infield, has given Peterson a chance to not worry so much about hitters making contact. He is a reverse Tylor Megill.

It may still be tough for some Mets fans to accept Peterson is the de facto ace of the staff. A label that doesn’t necessarily need to be placed on him, his health, durability, and innings volume has separated him from his teammates. Kodai Senga may be the nastiest of all of the starting pitchers. Trusting him to stay healthy is impossible. Sean Manaea is getting paid to be a number one starter. What’ll he be like for the remainder of the year?

Some rough outings at the end of June might’ve had Mets fans thinking twice about putting their full faith in Peterson. The joke is on them. He has hit the cruise control button yet again.