Copyright Newsweek
The New York Mets' starting rotation was a mess last season and was a major factor in the team missing the postseason. However, the team could bolster the rotation this offseason. The Mets lack a clear ace. Starting pitchers for the Mets gave up a 4.13 ERA last season, ranked 18th in Major League Baseball. There are solid options available in free agency, and CBS Sports' Dayn Perry predicted the Mets would land Framber Valdez. "If the Mets are going to turn the page on a disappointing 2025, then they'll probably need a true frontline presence in the rotation," Perry wrote on Tuesday. "Valdez is that, and he's been one of most reliable starting pitchers in all of baseball over the last half decade. It says here Steve Cohen will meet the ask and fortify the Mets for a run at the NL East title in 2026." Valdez is one of the best pitchers in baseball, and he will not be cheap in free agency. Spotrac projects him to sign a six-year, $200 million deal this winter. He is a two-time All-Star and a World Series champion. In 31 starts last season, he posted a 3.66 ERA. That was one of his worst seasons, which is a testament to how good he has been. Since 2021, he has made 143 starts and has a 3.20 ERA. He has received Cy Young Award votes in four separate seasons and would be the ace the Mets need.
