David Peterson leaning on past lessons while proudly wearing Mets ‘leader’ label

PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets planned a team bonding event for Wednesday night, and perhaps a great sign for unity was the number of players who served as hosts. 

This night of mini-golf for players and their families would be delivered by David Peterson, Juan Soto, Freddy Peralta, Francisco Lindor and Clay Holmes, according to the invitation.

It’s the first name on that list that sparked a reminder: following this offseason of high roster turnover, Peterson is the team’s longest-tenured player. Brandon Nimmo previously held that distinction. Then, in one December swoop, the wave directly behind Nimmo — Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz and Jeff McNeil — all departed, either through free agency or trade.

It left Peterson, who debuted in 2020 with the Mets, as the team’s senior statesman, amplifying his place within a veteran clubhouse. And Peterson proudly wears that “leader” label.