The New York Mets had a disappointing 2025 season. After signing superstar slugger Juan Soto in free agency, the Mets entered the campaign with very high expectations. However, they failed to reach them as they finished the year with an underwhelming 83-79 record and missed the playoffs.
After a tough 2025 season, the Mets are looking to bounce back in a big way in 2026. Due to this, they have already been active this offseason. The Mets have brought in a few new players this offseason so far, as they have added Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, and Devon Williams. While this is the case, there is no question that the Mets should not be done yet, as they still have roster needs to address.
One of the Mets’ biggest priorities should be adding another impactful starter to their rotation. This would be big for a Mets club looking to be true contenders, and they are now being viewed as a potential fit for one of the top free agents who are left on the market.
Mets Named Top Fit for Star Free Agent Pitcher Framber Valdez
In a recent article for The Athletic, Jim Bowden discussed the best fits for each of the top free agents left. Among the top players discussed was naturally star pitcher Framber Valdez, as he is one of the biggest fish that is still left on the market.
When it came to Valdez, Bowden named the Mets as the perfect fit for the 32-year-old starting pitcher.
“Mets president David Stearns is philosophically opposed to expensive, long-term contracts for starting pitchers, but if the Mets want to be competitive in 2026 it’s important they improve their rotation and have someone who can lead the staff. Valdez can do just that. He’s a ground ball machine who misses bats and has proven he can pitch in big games,” Bowden wrote.
With the Mets in desperate need of another star pitcher, it is entirely understandable that they are being viewed as a prime landing spot for Valdez. There is no question that he would give their pitching rotation a significant boost if signed, as he is a game-changer when performing at his highest level.
Overall, with the Mets looking to turn things back around, making a big splash for a two-time All-Star like Valdez would be huge for them. It will be intriguing to see if they can be the lucky club to land him from here.
Orioles & Tigers Also Named Potential Fits for Valdez
While Bowden named the Mets as the top fit for Valdez, he also mentioned the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers as potential suitors for the star pitcher.
The Orioles have certainly been looking to improve this offseason, as they landed former Mets star slugger Pete Alonso in free agency. With this, it would make sense for them to now make a splash with their rotation by bringing in a pitcher like Valdez.
As for the Tigers, Bowden noted that they could be a suitor for Valdez if they elect to trade star pitcher Tarik Skubal. That would be understandable, as Valdez could slot very nicely in their rotation.
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