5 once popular NY Mets players most fans wouldn’t mind trading away

The fans want changes and those could include trading away any of these once popular players.
New York Mets v Washington Nationals
New York Mets v Washington Nationals | G Fiume/GettyImages
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2) David Peterson

An All-Star for the Mets in 2025, David Peterson is one of several pitchers who fizzled late. He ended the first half 6-4 with a 3.06 ERA. In his last 12 starts after the All-Star Break, he was 3-2 with a 6.34 ERA.

Inconsistencies have plagued Peterson in parts of his career. From season-to-season, it has been unknown what he’d deliver. His masterful consistency throughout 2024 was easy to gloss over because of how effective so many of the other Mets starters were and how forgotten he became in the postseason.

Arbitration eligible for one more season, Peterson is a low-cost arm for the Mets to have in their rotation. But so is Nolan McLean. Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong should have some role (at some point) in the big leagues, too. Peterson, one year away from free agency, feels unlikely to remain with the Mets after losing favor late in the 2025 season. Trading him could make sense if it means improving the ball club elsewhere.

Peterson’s popularity never rose to the same levels as some others the fans are ready to move on from. More appreciated than beloved, a lot of the praise has turned into questions about whether he is capable of getting through a full big league season without crashing.