Mets Named Landing Spot for Projected $190 Million Left-Handed Ace

If there’s one area the New York Mets seemingly needed to improve on throughout their historic collapse in the second half of the 2025 MLB season, it was on the mound. The Mets were expected to have a decent rotation, but given some of the injuries we saw and pitchers not throwing the baseball at the level they were expected to, the Mets were rough on that front. 

As the Mets approach the offseason, it’s important to remember some of the young talent they already have in the rotation. Some of those starters will have an opportunity to be a perfect piece for the Mets in the future, but for a contending team that’s looking to win a World Series as early as next season, veterans could be needed.. 

This free agency class is relatively strong with left-handed pitching, and The Athletic’s Jim Bowden believes that the Mets could be a fit for one of them. He listed the Mets as a possible destination for left-hander Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros.

“Valdez has pitched in plenty of big games and has a track record of performing in the postseason. He’s an elite ground-ball pitcher who pitches deep into games. He did struggle down the stretch this season, allowing four or more runs in four of his final five starts and was the subject of some controversy. Even with that end to his season, he’s still the best starting pitcher in this year’s class… Best team fits: Astros, Orioles, Mets, Braves, Cubs, Padres, Giants. Contract prediction: 6-years, $190 million,” he wrote.

Will a Team Pay Framber Valdez?

As Bowden touched on, the New York Mets might have to give Valdez a monster deal, as he predicted a six-year, $190 million contract. It’ll be interesting to see if Valdez gets that much at 31 years old, but he’s been as good as ever over the past few seasons, owning a career 3.36 ERA in his eight seasons. 

His ability to stay on the mound has also been impressive, throwing in at least 192.0 innings since 2022. 

According to SNY, the easiest way for the Mets to improve their rotation this winter will be by going out and adding a top-of-the-line starter on the free agency market, with them listing Valdez as a potential fit. 

“The easiest and cleanest way for the Mets to add a top-of-the-rotation starter to their staff this offseason is to turn to the free agent market, where the headliners are Framber Valdez, Michael King, and Ranger Suarez,” Danny Abriano wrote.

Does a Mets Executive Want to Reunite With Framber Valdez?

It’s essential to remember connections around Major League Baseball, and Valdez and New York Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns have one. 

Stearns worked for the Astros when they landed Valdez back in 2015. That was more than a decade ago, but it’s still a connection that could be strong. That’s part of the reason why Bleacher Report named the Mets as one of the best fits for Valdez, citing the relationship. 

“The Mets’ starting pitching flat-lined in the second half of 2025, posting a 5.31 ERA that helped fuel one of the more stunning collapses in recent memory…

“Valdez is the best they can do in free agency, and there is some connective tissue between him and the Mets front office. President of baseball operations David Stearns worked for the Astros when they signed him in 2015,” Zachary D. Rymer wrote.

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