The New York Mets began the season looking like one of the top teams in baseball. However, their late-season collapse resulted in the squad missing the postseason entirely.
The Mets finished 28-37 in the second half and lost the National League East to the Philadelphia Phillies by a large margin. The starting rotation caused several difficulties for the squad, and free agency might be a way to get back on track. Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report anticipated that the Mets will sign Framber Valdez as a free agent.
“A consistent performer at the top of the Astros’ rotation and a major reason the team was still in the playoff hunt as long as it was, he will have the eyes of plenty of suitors come the opening of free agency, including organizations like the Mets, (Baltimore) Orioles, and (Chicago) Cubs, all of whom are arguably one legitimate starter away from being credible World Series contenders,” according to Beaston. “Look for one of those squads to get their man, with the Mets always holding the financial upper hand.”
Valdez has been one of baseball’s top pitchers during the past five years. Since 2021, he has a 3.20 ERA in 143 starts. He is a two-time All-Star and has gotten four Cy Young Award votes in his career.
This season, he started 31 games and had a 3.66 ERA. Spotrac expects him to sign a six-year, $199 million contract. He could be the Mets’ new ace. Meanwhile, Nolan McLean’s performance might improve next season, and Kodai Senga could regain his pre-injury form, putting the Mets in position for victory.