The New York Mets could use a true ace in their rotation, and the team could look at free agency to find its answer.
The Mets’ rotation was a mess last season, as the team dealt with injuries and poor play, which played a role in the team failing to make the playoffs. New York already landed Devin Williams to bolster the bullpen, but now should look to add to its rotation.
MLB analyst Mark Powell of FanSided predicts the Mets will sign star free agent pitcher Framber Valdez to be the team’s ace.
“Dylan Cease was the first high-profile starting pitcher to go this winter, signing a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays,” Powell wrote. “Cease was connected to several other contenders. Including the Cubs and Mets, both of whom are in need of starting pitching.
“Considering Valdez was expected to receive an even higher AAV than Cease, his market should move quickly at the Winter Meetings. A team like the Mets, which desperately needs rotation help, can’t afford to wait around. Verdict: Framber Valdez signs with the Mets.”
The outlet projects Valdez to sign a deal worth $33.3 million per season and would immediately bolster the team’s rotation.
Last season with the Houston Astros, Valdez was 13-11 with a 3.66 ERA in 31 starts. He also won the World Series with the Astros in 2022, so he comes with plenty of playoff experience.
What is Valdez Expected to Get in Free Agency?
Valdez is expected to get a hefty deal this offseason, and the Cease signing could up his worth.
The left-hander is the top starting pitcher available on the market. MLBTradeRumors predicts he will sign a five-year, $150 million deal, which is $30 million per season.
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, meanwhile, predicts Valdez will land a six-year, $168 million deal which is worth $28 million per season.
“Valdez is an easy sell: He’s a dependable (fifth-most regular-season innings since 2021) lefty with extensive playoff experience (most playoff starts and innings since 2020) who has regularly posted ERAs in the high 2s to mid-3s, averaging 3.20 since 2021, and that mark is driven by the highest ground ball rate in the league (among starters) in that span,” McDaniel wrote.
“Plus, the velocity of his sinker went up a bit in 2025 after a dip in 2024. On the other hand, he’s about to turn 32, doesn’t miss many bats relative to other nine-figure starters, and his 3.66 ERA in 2025 is his worst since 2019. … The best recent comp is Aaron Nola (seven years, $172 million). Though Valdez is hitting the market at roughly 18 months older than Nola did. So six years seems likely.”
Valdez is a two-time MLB All-Star.
What is the Mets’ Projected Rotation?
New York needs some help in its rotation if the Mets are going to be a true World Series contender in 2026.
The Mets currently have Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Jonah Tong, Nolan McLean, and Kodai Senga, among others.
However, most of them are best suited as back-of-the-rotation arms. So adding a true ace like Valdez makes a ton of sense. The Mets should also have plenty of money to sign the star left-hander.
The Mets have the sixth-best odds of winning the World Series at +1500.
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