The New York Mets are hoping for better results during the 2026 season. It is fair to say that the 2025 campaign was incredibly frustrating for the National League East club. This is because they finished the 2025 season with a very underwhelming 83-79 record and missed out on the playoffs. When noting that they had big expectations heading into the year, this was unacceptable.
Now, the Mets have responded to their poor 2025 season by making a handful of moves so far this offseason. The Mets have brought in multiple new players this offseason, including Devin Williams, Marcus Semien, Luke Weaver, and Jorge Polanco. However, with the Mets looking to get back into the playoffs and be true contenders, they should not be done making moves yet.
One of the Mets’ top objectives should be to add an impactful starting pitcher this offseason. Due to this, one pitcher who they have been heavily linked to throughout the winter is star free agent starter Framber Valdez. It ultimately makes sense, as there is no question that he would be a nice addition to their starting rotation if signed.
Now, the Mets are once again being viewed as a likely potential landing spot for Valdez this offseason.
Mets Predicted to Bring in Framber Valdez Through Free Agency
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Tim Kelly predicted where each of the top remaining free agents will sign this offseason. Valdez was naturally included in it, as he is the top free-agent starting pitcher still available for the taking.
For Valdez, Kelly then predicted that the Mets would be the team that wins the Valdez sweepstakes this winter.
“While Mets fans may still be hoping for a trade that nets them Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta, Valdez—who FanGraphs says is fifth among all starters in WAR since the start of the 2022 season—would give them a veteran arm to pair atop the rotation with NL Rookie of the Year favorite Nolan McLean,” Kelly wrote.
It is quite easy to understand why Kelly sees the Mets as a prime potential landing spot for Valdez. There is no question that they could use another impactful pitcher on their roster, and Valdez would provide them with just that if signed.
If the Mets signed Valdez, he would be a strong addition to the front half of their rotation. His stats this past season effectively show this, as he had a 13-11 record, a 3.66 ERA, and 187 strikeouts in 31 starts for the Houston Astros.
Mets Are Not the Only Team Linked to Valdez
With Valdez being the top pitcher still left on the free-agent market, he is naturally being connected to multiple teams. Besides the Mets, clubs like the Baltimore Orioles and San Francisco Giants have also been linked to the two-time All-Star this winter.
It will be interesting to see if the Mets end up being the team that signs Valdez this offseason. He looks like a strong fit on paper, but time will tell if they get a deal done from here.
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