David Peterson Can Be X-Factor in Mets' Rotation
If Peterson performs, the Mets could have the best staff in baseball
Image via New York Mets
With spring training well underway, a lot of talk in Port St. Lucie is focused on the New York Mets’ starting rotation coming into the season.
The Mets staff is much improved heading into 2021, with Marcus Stroman, Carlos Carrasco, and Taijuan Walker joining two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom in a talented rotation. Plus, Noah Syndergaard should be returning from Tommy John surgery around June.
But since Syndergaard will in fact be out at least the first two months of the season, someone has to take his spot. That person could be second-year left-hander David Peterson.
And believe it or not, Peterson can and will be an x-factor for that talented staff this year.
Now one might ask, how can someone in his sophomore season in the big leagues play that big of a role in such a talented rotation?
Well, it’s simple. If Peterson pitches well as the fifth starter, especially before Syndergaard comes back, it will set the Mets up to be enormously successful.
In past years (particularly last year), the Mets have had to rely on guys to have a solid performance on the mound every once in a while in order to win games. If they actually pitched well it was considered a blessing.
In fact outside of deGrom, Peterson was the only reliable Mets starter in 2020, pitching to a 3.44 ERA in 10 games (nine starts).
If he can replicate that in 2021 and the rest of the rotation performs to their capabilities, the Mets will have no holes in their rotation — something that hasn’t been the case in years.
This means they will never be out of the game, which obviously is important for a team with championship aspirations.
And it’s no secret that any pitcher can have a bad start on any given day. They happen sometimes, even to the most elite pitchers in the game.
But eliminating a liability taking the mound every fifth day, or even more often than that like last year, is a gigantic step forward.
If Peterson can be the fifth starter that keeps the team in the game and gives the offense a chance to win, it will do wonders for the 2021 Mets. Especially as the most unproven starter on the staff.
And who knows what Peterson’s role will be when Syndergaard does return from his rehab. Maybe he’ll force his way to stay in the rotation, maybe he’ll be a weapon out of the bullpen. Only time will tell.
But Peterson’s success in 2021 will play a huge part in the Mets’ success as well.
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