I can already tell some of you are groaning at the name David Peterson next to Chicago Cubs free-agent target, but remember this team has to sign multiple pitchers for the rotation. If Peterson ends up being the second or third guy added, then that would be a very good offseason for Jed Hoyer and the Cubs.
Peterson was quietly, really damn good in 2026 after the Cubs acquired him from the New York Mets in June. The left-handed pitcher ended his stint with the Cubs with a 3.70 ERA, a 21.5 K% rate, and a 49.1% ground ball rate over 80.1 innings.
Out of his 15 starts, only two were bad: Peterson gave up 10 runs in 3.2 innings against the St. Louis Cardinals and six runs in 3.2 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers. In his other 13 starts, Peterson held the opposing team to three or fewer runs, including one or no runs in eight of them. Like I said, really damn good.
Plus, he does have some pedigree despite not being one of the top free-agent pitchers. In 2025, Peterson was an All-Star with the Mets, posting a 3.06 ERA in his first 18 starts. In 2024, Peterson returned from hip surgery and posted a career-best 2.90 ERA in 21 starts with the Mets.
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MLB Trade Rumors released its annual list of the top 50 free agents, including contract projections and predictions on where each player will sign. You’ll find the Cubs linked to several starting pitchers, but one prediction stood out: all three site experts picked the Cubs to sign Peterson.
Via MLB Trade Rumors.
No. 30 David Peterson, LHP, Two years, $24 million
He’s not a world-beating, front-of-the-rotation arm, but Peterson’s broad track record with the Mets and rebound with the Cubs shows that he can pitch in the middle of a rotation — particularly for a team with strong infield defense. A Cubs reunion would make sense, but the Cardinals, D-backs, Royals, Blue Jays and Marlins are reasonable on-paper suitors for Peterson.
Steve’s pick: Cubs | Anthony’s pick: Cubs | Darragh’s pick: Cubs
Overall, Peterson has been steady in his career, and he has shown that despite terrible results during the first three months with the Mets in 2026, he can still thrive with a strong infield defense behind him, which is exactly why the Cubs seem like the ideal fit for him.
He won’t be the most exciting addition, nor should he be looked at as someone who can elevate his game in the rotation. We know he can pitch better, as shown in his 2024-25 seasons, but the Cubs just need quality arms in 2027 to help the rotation. As the No. 3 or 4 starter, Peterson would be a great signing for this team.
Along with Peterson, here are the other starting pitchers who were on the Cubs in 2026 and are now free agents.
Jameson Taillon (DFA’d in July)
Colin Rea (Team option declined)
Matthew Boyd (Declined player option)
Clay Holmes (Declined player option)
Shōta Imanaga (unrestricted free agent)
Kevin Gausman (unrestricted free agent)
David Peterson (unrestricted free agent)
The Cubs have a lot of work ahead this offseason: although the starting rotation was unimpressive for most of the 2026 season, they have to fill those spots, and they can’t afford to miss with their acquisitions.
