So far this offseason, the New York Mets have added a few players to their roster. Luke Weaver, Devin Williams, Marcus Semien, and Jorge Polanco are some of their most prominent new players. These four are expected to be valuable additions to the Mets’ squad.
However, it is reasonable to argue that the Mets shouldn’t be done making trades just yet given their present roster. Another significant starting pitcher is currently one of their greatest needs, and there are still some intriguing candidates on the free-agent market.
All-Star pitcher Framber Valdez is one free agent whom the Mets have been linked to this offseason. If the Mets were to sign him, he would undoubtedly significantly improve the top half of their pitching rotation, thus it is easy to understand why.
Furthermore, the Mets should actively target a top free agent like Valdez in light of their recent performance. Despite having very high expectations going into the season, the Mets concluded the 2025 season with a disappointing 83-79 record and missed the playoffs. In order to turn things around in 2026, they should be trying to make a big impression.
The Mets have now received a positive update regarding their chances of winning the Valdez sweepstakes.
Mets Predicted to Sign Framber Valdez in Free Agency
Chris Landers made predictions on where each of the top remaining MLB free agents would sign in a recent piece for FanSided. Valdez was one of the players discussed because he was the best starting pitcher still available.
Landers projected that the Mets would be the fortunate team to sign Valdez in free agency this offseason.
And without proof, Valdez is nothing. Even though he is already 32 years old and won’t miss many bats, all he does with an ERA of 3.50 or less is force a trillion ground balls and take up innings. Given how few internal possibilities seem like a reliable option for at least 150 frames in 2026, that’s quite valuable for this Mets squad in particular, Landers said.
It makes perfect sense that the Mets are being considered as a top destination for Valdez given their need for another dependable pitcher. On paper, their rotation would appear considerably better going into 2026 if they were able to acquire him.
Valdez’s performance in recent seasons is also demonstrated by his statistics. He finished the previous season with the Houston Astros with a 13-11 record, a 3.66 ERA, and 187 strikeouts. This came after the two-time All-Star finished 2024 with a 15-7 record and a 2.91 ERA for Houston. With this, he would be a huge asset to a Mets team in need of pitching assistance.
Mets Are Not the Only Team Linked to Valdez
The Mets are not the only team that has been connected to Valdez this offseason because he is one of the top pitchers still available. This offseason, Valdez has also been linked to the Detroit Tigers, San Francisco Giants, and Baltimore Orioles.
Given this, the Mets will undoubtedly have some competition in the Valdez sweepstakes. If they are able to land him from here, it will be interesting to watch.
