Peterson’s 2025 By the Numbers

First, let’s lay out what the stats show for Peterson in 2025:

Stat Value

Games (starts) 30 starts
Win–Loss 9-6
Innings Pitched 168.2 IP
Strikeouts 150 Ks
ERA 4.22
WHIP 1.37

Additional nuance from advanced metrics and context:

His hard-hit rate was ~46.1%, and barrel % ~6.5%.

His exit velocity average was ~ 90.6 mph.

He was selected to the NL All-Star roster (as a replacement) in 2025.

He threw his first career shutout (a 5–0 complete game) June 12 vs. Nationals (6 hits, 0 BB, 6 Ks).

On defense, he accumulated six defensive runs saved, earning a Gold Glove finalist nod.

So the profile: a durable workhorse, with some standout moments, but not without warts.

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Expectations & Baseline

To grade him fairly, we should think about what expectations were:

After a stellar 2024 (10-3 record, 2.90 ERA) and coming off hip surgery, there was hope he’d cement himself as a frontline arm.

The Mets needed rotation stability.

He was likely judged not just on raw numbers but on durability, consistency late in games, and ability to handle slumps.

Given that, a “good but not star” performance might land in the 70s or low 80s.

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Strengths (What He Did Well)

1. Durability & volume
30 starts and 168+ innings is no small feat, especially after hip surgery and in a modern era that often limits starters. He logged plenty of innings to add value.

2. Signature moments & upside flashes

The first career shutout speaks to what he can be at his best.

Earning an All-Star nod even as a replacement is recognition of how parts of his season were impressive.

Defensive impact: 6 DRS and Gold Glove finalist status show he contributes beyond just the mound.

3. Strikeout capability & bounceback potential
150 strikeouts over 168+ innings is solid, though not dominant. He showed he still has the ability to miss bats.

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Weaknesses & Red Flags

1. ERA & run prevention not elite
A 4.22 ERA is mediocre for a rotation piece. That suggests he’s allowing too many runs, especially in tougher matchups or higher-leverage innings.

2. Batted-ball trouble
His hard-hit rate (~46.1%) and barrel rate (~6.5%) indicate opponents were getting solid contact against him.  That raises concerns about too many hard-hit balls turning into trouble.

3. Inconsistency & slumps
He showed peaks, but also valleys. His late-season stretches were less convincing, and managing stretches of poor outings is key for a legitimate rotation ace.

4. Not always dominant or overpowering
He doesn’t consistently separate himself from average to above-average starters. Too many innings where he’s fighting, rather than controlling.

5. Rest & workload splits
There were reports that his performance varied by rest days (e.g. on four days’ rest vs. five).  That suggests his usage and recovery need management.

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Grade & Rationale: 75 / 100

Here’s how I’d break the scoring:

Category Score (out of possible)

Durability / innings 18 / 20
Peak performance & upside (shutout, All-Star, defense) 15 / 20
Run prevention / ERA / consistency 12 / 20
Strikeout / missing bats / command 13 / 15
Context / overcoming adversity / intangibles 5 / 5
Defense & added value 2 / 5

That sums to 75/100: “above average, useful rotation arm, but not reliable as a frontline ace yet.”

To couch it: Peterson had a solid, respectable season. He didn’t bomb out, and he showed flashes of what he can become. But the regression from his 2024 vintage and the holes in his game prevent him from getting a higher mark.

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What This Means & Outlook for 2026

If he limits hard contact (or “tightens up” his batted-ball profile) and refines sequencing, he can lower his ERA and become more dominant.

The workload in 2025 suggests he can shoulder innings — if health holds, that’s a plus.

The Mets should continue to monitor his rest and usage (especially four-days rest outings).

Defensively, he’s added value with fielding and received recognition — that’s a nice bonus that not many pitchers bring.

In 2026, he should be in the conversation for “second starter” or “mid-rotation plus” — with upside to push higher if he smooths his game.