January 8th marks the arbitration deadline across Major League Baseball for teams and certain players to agree on a one-year contract for the 2026 season. For select players who do not reach a deal with their current organization, the contract dispute will be referred to a panel of third-party arbitrators, who will settle the contract claim at a later date.
The New York Mets have a handful of arbitration-eligible players, but just one has already reached a contract agreement (Tyrone Taylor). On Thursday, the Mets avoided arbitration with David Peterson, according to Robert Murray, on an $8.1 million deal. Pitchers Tylor Megill ($2.5 million), Huascar Brazoban ($1.05 million), and Reed Garrett also avoided a later contract hearing.
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Mets Retaining David Peterson, Tylor Megill, Huascar Brazoban, and Reed Garrett
This is big news for the New York Mets, and as expected, they will be retaining southpaw starter David Peterson, who was an all-star starter for the first time with New York this season.
The four pitchers for the Mets who avoided arbitration are key contributors, so it’s good for the Mets’ pitching staff to retain all that production.
David Peterson has spent his entire six-year MLB career with the Mets and has a career 4.12 ERA over 115 starts and 150 strikeouts. 2025 proved to be Peterson’s most durable in a Mets uniform. He posted career highs in strikeouts, innings, and starts.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 23: David Peterson #23 of the New York Mets throws a pitch during the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 23, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
He turned in a really solid 2024 campaign with a 2.90 ERA (career-low) over 21 starts and 121 innings.
If the Mets do not get any more starters this offseason via either free agency or the trade market, then David Peterson will be looked at as a frontline starter for New York, along with Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean.
Huascar Brazoban returns on a $1 million deal, as he also turned in one of his best seasons as a pro in 2025, posting a 3.57 ERA over 63 innings. Reed Garrett also turned in a productive season with a 3.90 ERA over 55 innings.
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Mets’ Current Rotation Options
Tylor Megill was supposed to be a big part of the Mets’ rotation last season, but he was limited to just 14 starts. However, his 68.1 innings were productive, as he posted a 3.95 ERA.
If Megill is healthy, he should play a vital role in the Mets’ rotation. Other rotation options for the Mets include Sean Maenaea, who is trying to get back to his 2024 form, and youngsters Jonah Tong and McLean.
The Mets are also still awaiting the arbitration decisions of Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens.
It’s been a slow offseason thus far for the Mets, but perhaps they have been waiting for the arbitration deadline before making a big move.
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