The New York Mets just had one of the most disappointing meltdowns in their history, and now they need to look towards the offseason to fix what went very, very wrong.
One of the first things they need to do is address their crumbling rotation. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly has predicted the Mets will try and go after Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez, who will be the top free agent pitcher on the market this offseason.
“Framber Valdez projects to be the top free-agent starting pitcher available this offseason. Valdez is postseason-tested, but he will be entering his age-32 season and coming off a contract year in which he posted a 5.20 ERA in 12 starts after the All-Star Break. Valdez will surely decline a qualifying offer from the Houston Astros, so it would also take giving up draft-pick compensation to sign him,” Kelly wrote.
While Valdez definitely had a meltdown in the final month of the regular season, he had great first half stats. He posted an ERA of 2.62, a record of 11-4, and 141 Ks. He finished the season with a 3.66 ERA, a record of 13-11, and 187 strikeouts.
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A change in scenery might be what Valdez needs, and the Mets might be the perfect spot for him to find himself again. Hopefully, the Mets reach out and get the ball rolling as soon as the offseason starts.
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