The New York Mets missed out on the postseason in 2025, despite their hot start. With the offseason slowly passing by, the Mets’ biggest move has been trading Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for Marcus Semien. Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and Jorge Polanco are the three free agent signings New York has made. Despite that, the offseason has been subpar for Steve Cohen and co.
Long-time Mets Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz have each signed with different teams this offseason. Additionally, Jeff McNeil (traded), Tyler Rogers, Cedric Mullins, Ryan Helsley, and Gregory Soto are not returning to Queens.
Keeping their losses in mind, there are still plenty of high-profile free agents left on the market. Cody Bellinger is a player New York has been linked to, but the team has a fantastic chance to sign the best free agent pitcher.
Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Mets have been one of two teams connected to Framber Valdez. There is no information on whether or not an offer has been made, but all signs point towards the Mets being in a two-horse race with the Baltimore Orioles to sign Valdez.
Framber Valdez’s Fit With the New York Mets
GettyThe Mets have been highly involved with Framber Valdez this offseason.
It is easy to fall in love with the young pitching the Mets have on their roster. Jonah Tong, Nolan McLean, and Brandon Sproat each have bright futures at the big league level. Their youth will come with struggles, though. That was seen with Tong (7.71 ERA) and Sproat (4.79 ERA) last season.
Although the sample size of innings between McLean, Tong, and Sproat is small, the Mets cannot and should not rely on their young arms to carry them through the 2026 season. Bringing Valdez to Citi Field would immediately give New York the ace they need.
Last season, Valdez made 31 starts, threw 192.0 innings, struck out 187 batters, and finished with a 3.66 ERA. Over the last four seasons, Valdez has finished with 30-plus starts and 190-plus innings three times. In 2024, Valdez made 28 starts and threw 176.1 innings.
Not only has the left-hander been healthy while being a workhorse for the Houston Astros, but he has been extremely successful. Valdez gives the Mets a healthy ace that is capable of winning 15-plus games year in and year out.
Valdez Is One Signing Mets Have to Make
GettyFramber Valdez gives the Mets an immediate ace.
The quieter offseason in New York has ruffled some feathers. Pair that with missing the playoffs last year, and New York can be considered one of the bigger disappointments in the MLB. Still, they have the chance to turn it around with a Valdez signing.
“The way the Mets have played this winter, they have no choice but to sign him,” Harold Reynolds said on MLB Network’s Hot Stove show.
In 2024, New York was 18th in starting pitcher ERA and 28th in quality starts. The Mets did not have someone who could consistently go deep into games, while giving the team a chance to win. Knowing that, they have still not signed a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher.
Getting Valdez to Citi Field should be the top priority for the Mets. All they have to do is outbid the Orioles.
Mets in Two-Horse Race To Sign Framber Valdez