After falling short of the postseason in 2025, the New York Mets didn’t sit still. They answered with an aggressive offseason, highlighted by a three-year, $126 million deal for Bo Bichette, who’s expected to be a cornerstone moving forward.
They also overhauled the pitching staff, trading for Freddy Peralta and adding a wave of recognizable names such as Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr., Devin Williams, Jorge Polanco, and Luke Weaver.
With all the activity, New York is clearly aiming for a major rebound in 2026. Still, there’s a sense they might not be finished. Even with their improvements, the roster could arguably use one more high-end arm to solidify their status as true contenders.
That’s why the Mets are now considered one of the leading candidates to land the top starting pitcher still available in free agency.
Mets Linked Heavily to Framber Valdez
In a recent MLB.com piece, Mark Feinsand listed several teams that could sign standout left-hander Framber Valdez, and the Mets were prominently mentioned.
Feinsand noted that while the trade for Peralta eased some of the urgency for another ace, questions remain. With McLean still inexperienced and Holmes only in his second year as a starter, the Mets could justify adding another proven front-line option. Though president of baseball operations David Stearns typically avoids long-term pitching contracts, Valdez might appeal if he’s open to a shorter deal with opt-outs.
Given the Mets’ roster makeup, it makes sense they’re still viewed as a serious possibility. Adding Valdez would strengthen the top of their rotation and give them another established star on the mound. The club has been tied to him all winter, and with the 32-year-old still unsigned, the door remains open.
Plenty of Competition for Valdez
Of course, New York isn’t alone. Valdez, widely seen as the best starter left on the market, has drawn significant interest elsewhere. The Baltimore Orioles have been heavily linked to him, and Feinsand also mentioned the Tigers, Padres, Blue Jays, Giants, and Braves as potential suitors.
So while the Mets are firmly in the mix, the race for Valdez is far from a one-team battle.
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