The New York Mets could finally make a major splash in free agency. Despite enduring a disastrous 2025, the Mets have only made a few relatively minor moves during the offseason. Although management has brought in Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco, they also lost Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil. The now former Mets were both fan-favorites at the club.
While fans are growing impatient with GM David Stearns, the exec may ease the tension by signing one of the top free agent pitchers in the coming days. Multiple sources, including the New York Post’s Dan Bartels and SportsGrid, are now predicting that the Mets will land Framber Valdez.
Both outlets claim that the pitcher will ultimately agree to a five-year deal with the Mets. Bartels asserts that New York is set to give Valdez a total package of $140 million. SportsGrid, on the other hand, says that the deal could reach $160 million.
The predictions come after MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand revealed in early December that New York was “among the favorites” to sign the starter. Baseball insider Jon Heyman also reported on Christmas that the team met with Valdez to discuss a deal. The Mets, however, are not the only team to schedule a consultation with the pitcher. According to Heyman, the Baltimore Orioles and the San Francisco Giants have also met with Valdez.
New York Mets Would Break Stance if They Give Framber Valdez Long-Term Deal
GettyFramber Valdez would be a huge signing for the New York Mets.
New York’s interest in Valdez certainly makes sense. It has been widely reported that the Mets are looking for a frontline starter, and the soon-to-be former Astro fits in this category. The National League East team may have a lineup that includes stars such as Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Semien, but their rotation is full of question marks.
Nevertheless, there could be a potential issue in New York’s pursuit of Valdez. It was reported in December that Mets management is reluctant to give veteran starting pitchers long-term contracts. Valdez, while one of the top free agent starters, is now 32 and could be heading towards a statistical decline.
Because of this stance, the Mets may ultimately offer Valdez a shorter deal with a higher average salary. The lack of movement regarding the star’s signature could very well mean other teams have a similar feeling towards the situation. If so, New York certainly has the finances to be the highest bidder for Valdez.
Valdez Would Instantly Become Ace in Mets Rotation
Either way, the Mets cannot afford to keep missing out on key free agents. Along with the trades, they have also lost Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz, and the fanbase is getting restless. Potentially landing Valdez, however, certainly would be a solid start to 2026.
A two-time All-Star, Valdez finished the 2025 campaign with a 3.66 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 187 strikeouts in 192 total innings. According to Fangraphs.com, the pitcher’s 4.0 WAR was 11th-best in all of baseball last season. New York did not have a starter in the top 20 of the rankings, and just one Met, David Peterson, was placed among the best 35 pitchers in the category.
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