The New York Mets have been busy this offseason, but they’re still searching for that one move to elevate their roster from intriguing to legitimate contender. Devin Williams was a strong addition to the bullpen - no doubt about that - but the Mets’ front office knows the job isn’t done. There’s still a clear need in the outfield and, more pressingly, at the top of the starting rotation.
They’ve reportedly put a $50 million-per-year offer on the table for Kyle Tucker. If that doesn’t land, Cody Bellinger could be the next name in the mix. But regardless of how the outfield puzzle shakes out, the rotation remains the bigger question mark - and that’s where Framber Valdez enters the picture.
With Ranger Suárez now off the board after inking a five-year, $130 million deal with the Red Sox, the Mets are turning their attention to the next best arm available. According to reports, New York is one of two teams - along with the Orioles - still in the hunt for Valdez, the former Astros ace who’s quietly been one of the steadiest starters in baseball over the last few seasons.
Let’s talk about why this makes so much sense for the Mets.
Valdez is the kind of pitcher who brings stability to a rotation that could really use it. Since stepping into a full-time starting role in 2022, he’s made 121 starts and posted a 3.21 ERA - that’s not just dependable, that’s frontline material. He’s a lefty with playoff experience, a heavy sinker, and the kind of mound presence that can anchor a staff over a 162-game grind.
The Mets do have arms. Nolan McLean, David Peterson, Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong, and Sean Manaea all bring something to the table.
But none of them project as a true No. 1 - not yet, at least. And that’s where Valdez fits in.
He’s not just a placeholder; he’s a tone-setter. A guy who can go out every fifth day, eat innings, and give the bullpen a breather.
That kind of reliability is gold, especially in a rotation that’s still trying to find its identity post-Verlander and Scherzer.
At 32, Valdez isn’t a long-term project. He’s a win-now piece, and that’s exactly what the Mets need if they’re serious about contending in 2026.
He may not be a perennial Cy Young candidate, but he doesn’t have to be. What he offers - consistency, durability, and postseason poise - is exactly what this rotation is missing.
Of course, the Orioles are in the mix too. They’ve got a young, exciting core and are looking to add a veteran presence atop their rotation.
That means the Mets won’t have a clear path to Valdez. But if they can get a deal done, it would be a massive step toward solidifying this roster.
Bottom line: the Mets don’t need to swing for the fences with every move. Sometimes, the smart play is adding a proven workhorse who can lead by example. Framber Valdez fits that mold - and if the Mets are serious about making noise this season, now’s the time to make their move.