David Peterson gives Toronto a clear trade target if the Blue Jays decide this battered rotation needs outside help fast.
That Mets report matters because it is unusually broad. ESPN's Jorge Castillo, as relayed by Bleacher Report, said New York is willing to deal any starting pitcher other than Nolan McLean, Freddy Peralta or Clay Holmes.
For Toronto, that should trigger a real phone call. The Blue Jays already have José Berrios and Max Scherzer on the injured list, and Scherzer is shut down for 5 to 7 days before another evaluation.
That is why this is bigger than trade-season noise. Toronto entered Friday at 14-17, with Patrick Corbin starting against Minnesota and Sunday and Monday still showing as TBD on the club's probable pitchers page.
The easiest name to circle is Peterson. He opened the year in the Mets' rotation, got bumped into a fluid role, and MLB.com noted New York could still use him either as a starter or bulk reliever.
That flexibility fits Toronto's spot right now. The Blue Jays do not just need a clean No. 5. They need innings, cover, and someone who can stabilize the game when the bullpen is already working too hard.
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David Peterson looks like the cleanest Toronto fit
The Mets' own rotation story explains why a deal is even possible. MLB.com described that staff as fluid, with Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, Tobias Myers, Christian Scott and Peterson all part of a constantly shifting mix behind Peralta, McLean and Holmes.
That gives Ross Atkins a lane. If New York is hunting offense, Toronto can at least explore whether a controllable starter like Peterson is attainable without blowing up the farm. That kind of arm would make more sense than chasing a pure rental.
Manaea and Senga would carry bigger names, but Peterson may be the sharper fit. He is already stretched for multiple innings, he has recent rotation experience, and the Mets do not seem fully committed to a fixed job for him.
Toronto's injury board says enough on its own. Berrios is nearing a return, but Scherzer is out, Shane Bieber is not expected back until late May, and Cody Ponce is likely done for the season.
That is why the Blue Jays should not wait for this to get worse. Dylan Cease can front the staff, but one ace does not solve a schedule when the back half keeps shifting.
If the Mets truly made most of their starters available, Peterson is the kind of move Toronto should be testing right now. Not flashy, not cheap, but exactly the sort of trade that can keep a season from drifting.
Should the Blue Jays push the Mets for David Peterson before the rotation gets thinner?
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