3 Mets players who took an unfortunate step back in 2023

3) David Peterson

It’s easy to already forget how excellent David Peterson was for the Mets in 2022. He bounced between the majors and minors for much of the year and from the rotation to the bullpen. The results were a 7-5 record and 3.83 ERA in 105.2 innings of work.

Peterson wasn’t nearly as masterful this year. On the contrary, he started off the year miserably.

Following a May 15 start and loss, Peterson’s record dropped to 1-6. His 8.08 ERA was awful enough to send him back to Syracuse.

Peterson did figure things out after getting recalled. He was significantly better and in doing so managed to end the year with a 5.03 ERA. This seemed impossible after how poorly he pitched to begin the year.

Some may question whether or not the past year was indeed a step back for Peterson or not. He did finish more strongly, however, the question of what role he’ll have remains.

It seems as if Peterson struggles whenever he doesn’t have to struggle. He was a surprise addition to the 2020 roster when Marcus Stroman opted out. Peterson pitched amazingly well and there was little doubt about him heading in 2021. Unfortunately, he pitched poorly and doubts were created.

Maybe Peterson is the kind of pitcher who needs to have his back against the ropes. It wasn’t until he had nothing to lose when he finally began to perform well this past year. If so, Peterson is running out of time before his minor league options are deleted and the Mets have no choice but to assign him a specific role or cut him loose.