With the Chicago Cubs trading for Edward Cabrera, the National League gets ever stronger, and the New York Mets sit and twiddle their thumbs.
It's time for them to make a splash. Fansided’s Christopher Kline believes that the Mets should finally get down to it and sign two-time All-Star and 2022 World Series champ Framber Valdez to become their new ace.
“The New York Mets appear to be frontrunners in the Framber Valdez sweepstakes…There are underlying concerns with Valdez, whose secondary pitches don’t always pop, and whose attitude became a point of discussion after he intentionally crossed up his own catcher late last season. But by and large, Valdez is a machine who gives little reason for short-term skepticism. Will the life of his contract prove a bit too expansive, especially if he receives six or seven years? Perhaps, but the Mets need to focus on scaling the mountaintop as soon as possible,” Kline wrote.
This past season, Valdez posted a record of 13-11, an ERA of 3.66, 187 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.245 over 192 innings pitched. However, this down year can be attributed to a trade deadline breakdown, where Valdez basically gave up. Before that, he was electric, posting a record of 11-4, a 2.62 ERA, and 141 Ks.
MORE: Orioles predicted to sign $161 million All-Star ace as response to Edward Cabrera trade
While Valdez is projected to receive a six-year, $199 million deal, it could well be worth it. He would be the ace for the next two-to-three years to let pitching prospects like Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong grow into aces, and then take a back seat as a middle-of-the-rotation guy to them on the backend of his contract.
If the Mets are smart, they’ll pursue Valdez immediately. With superstar losses in Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz, they need to get someone good on the team before fans lose it.
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