USA TODAY Sports' Gabe Lacques breaks down the greatest issues surrounding negotiations between Major League Baseball and its' players. USA TODAY

As we wait, with hope, for the start of the baseball season, we are analyzing each of the New York Mets' Top 10 prospects with a series of reports.

If you want to know what the Mets think about lefty David Peterson, recall what manager Luis Rojas said during spring training. Multiple times, he stated the club was stretching out seven starting pitchers.

Wait, what?

There were six arms competing for five rotation spots. The seventh man?

Peterson.

He did not possess a realistic shot to make the Opening Day rotation, but the fact the Mets were preparing him as a starter speaks to how highly they view him. Of all arms in the farm system, he might be closest to making a big-league start.

Analyzing the NY Mets' Top 10 prospects: No. 7 Mark Vientos

Analyzing the NY Mets' Top 10 prospects: No. 8 Thomas Szapucki

Feb 24, 2020; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (77) throws against the Washington Nationals at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.(Photo: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports)

In 2017, MLB.com ranked Peterson as the No. 19 prospect in the MLB Draft. The Mets eventually took Peterson with the No. 20 overall pick, and he's risen ever since.

Peterson began2018, his first full pro season, in Low A. Over nine starts, the Oregon alumpitched to a 1.82 ERA as he displayed his first-round talent. He finished the season in High A, where he started 13 games and pitched to a 4.33 ERA.

In 2019, he started 24 Double A games, finishing with a 4.19 ERA.

Fielder independent pitching (FIP) isolates the outcomes a pitcher can control. Simple terms: It does not account for outcomes that involve luck (balls in play).

Peterson's FIP in 2018 was 2.98. A year later, it was 3.19. Those indicate he might have pitched better than his ERA shows.

Perhaps most important, he proved he can handle the grind of a professional starting pitcher. He has not missed extended time.

Often, minor-league pitchers are evaluated over small sample sizes, whether that be because of injuries or innings limits. Peterson, on the other hand, has started two full seasons.

Feb 16, 2020; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (77) waits to do defensive drills during a workout at spring training.(Photo: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports)

Since taking over as general manager, Brodie Van Wagenen has been aggressive. He's acted on the organization's desire to win now.

While noble, it has also come at a cost. Trading Jarred Kelenic haunts fans, but the Mets also lost three good pitching prospects over the last year and a half.

In the Robinson Can-Edwin Diaz deal, the Mets sent the Mariners Justin Dunn,who reached the bigs last season and notched a 2.70 ERA over 6 2/3 innings. Months later, the Mets traded their top two pitching prospects Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson to acquire Marcus Stroman from Toronto.

These moves created an opportunity for others in the New York farm system, though. Suddenly, Petersonbecame one of the best prospect arms.

He represents needed starting pitching depth. In spring training, six starters competed for five spots. The competition eventually worked itself out when Noah Syndergaard underwent Tommy John surgery.

But behind him?

Well, that's where things get interesting. The Mets sent Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman into last offseason with an order to prepare as if they'd be starters in 2020, but because the club signed Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha, the former two went back to the bullpen.

Walker Lockett made a few spot starts for the Mets in 2019, and could be an option. But Peterson could also be considered.

Peterson made a strong impression this spring, allowing only a run over six innings of Grapefruit League action.

Thus far, his rise has seemed encouraging for an organization that needs capableprospects to move through its ranks.

Justin Toscanois theMetsbeat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to allMetsanalysis, news, trades and more, pleasesubscribe todayanddownload our app.

Email:toscanoj@northjersey.comTwitter:@justinctoscano

Read more from the original source:

Analyzing the NY Mets' Top 10 prospects: No. 6 David Peterson - NorthJersey.com