After a very disappointing season, the New York Mets have one goal that supersedes all others: getting an ace for the rotation. Luckily, one of the best free-agent pitchers may be available to them.
Fansided’s Christopher Kline believes the Mets could find their ace in two-time All-Star Framber Valdez, who is set to be the top pitcher in this year’s free agency class. He would also be an amazing mentor for Nolan McLean, the Mets’ up-and-coming ace.
“The emergence of Nolan McLean helps to stabilize things a little bit, but New York's deeply undependable rotation was the chief culprit behind its late-season collapse. Valdez, 31, is an incredibly consistent performer, which translates to the postseason. He has not posted an ERA above 4.00 since 2019. The Mets can set and forget him as their leading man on the mound,” Kline wrote.
This past season, Valdez posted a 13-11 record, an ERA of 3.66, 187 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.245 in 192 innings pitched. He was doing much better before the trade deadline, where he had a record of 11-4, a 2.62 ERA, and 141 Ks.
Getting a man like Valdez would be the objectively correct move for the Mets this offseason. They already have a ton of offense from Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and others; now it’s time to find an ace for their neglected rotation.
Hopefully, the Mets realize this and get to work ASAP.
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