The New York Mets have been active this offseason, but they've not gone out and added one of the top names this winter. Devin Williams was a nice pickup, but the Mets could still use an outfielder and a starting pitcher.
They've got a $50 million per-year deal on the table for Kyle Tucker, and could be pivoting to Cody Bellinger if they lose out on him. But, regardless of what they do in the outfield, their need in the rotation cannot be ignored.
Following Ranger Suarez's signing with the Boston Red Sox, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com tabbed the Mets as one of two suitors for free-agent ex-Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez.
Mets linked to Framber Valdez after Suarez signs with Red Sox
"For teams still seeking a sturdy, 200-inning type to lead their rotation," Feinsand writes, "I'm thinking about the Orioles and Mets, two teams that have been connected to Valdez all winter -- the addition of Valdez would still seem to make sense."
Adding a frontline starter like Valdez makes a lot of sense for the Mets. While they have some quality starters, in Nolan McLean, David Peterson, Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong, and Sean Manaea, they could use an arm at the top of the rotation.
They've been linked to a few of the top starting pitchers this winter, and while Suarez was one of those options, he's off the board now after his $130 million, five-year deal with the Red Sox.
More: Mets get Kyle Tucker news in free agency
Valdez, who's a bit older at 32 years old, is next. He has a few destinations, and the Mets make a lot of sense.
The former Astros ace is a left-hander who's been one of the more consistent starters in the Majors the last few years. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2022, he's started 121 games and has a 3.21 ERA.
While he might not be a perennial Cy Young candidate, he's the best starter left in free agency, and would make a lot of sense for the Mets to go out and acquire him.
The Baltimore Orioles will be involved as well, so the Mets won't have an easy path to signing Valdez. But if they can make a deal work, they should pounce on the chance to sign this dominant left-handed ace this winter.
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