*PREDICTION*

The New York Mets have had one of the bigger free agent signings so far as the MLB Winter Meetings get closer. The Mets signed closer Devin Williams away from their inner-city rival, the New York Yankees, to a three-year, $51 million deal.

A big move to replace Edwin Diaz as he leaves in free agency and is set to command a bigger payday. The Mets chose to save money at the closer position, but could still get one of the best out there. This would allow the Mets to remain aggressive at other positions.

The Mets need a more consistent pitching staff if they wish to make it to October and beyond. Pitching wins championships, and pitching depth is needed to even make it to the playoffs. The Mets had their struggles in the second half of 2025, which cost them a playoff spot on the last day of the season.

The Mets are set to lose 23 starts between Frankie Montas and Griffin Canning to free agency. It is more likely that the Mets try to retain Canning, but they should be looking to add a more reliable arm with higher upside.

That is why the New York Mets will sign Framber Valdez.

More MLB Content From TWSN

The Dream Free Agent Signing For Every MLB Team

Tom Ricketts Is Ruining the Chicago Cubs

The Los Angeles Dodgers Are The Greatest Dynasty Of The Last 10 Years

Framber Valdez Signs With Mets

The Mets have been rumored to sign a starting pitcher, and everything has pointed towards Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez being that guy.

Valdez came up through the Astros system and has been a part of the Astros since 2018. It wasn’t until 2021 that Valdez became a staple of their rotation, and since then, he has been one of the best pitchers in baseball.

Valdez has earned himself two All-Star nods and has earned both Cy Young and MVP votes. Valdez has been as durable as anyone since 2022. He has started in 121 games, and is averaging 192 innings pitched per season.

He led the league in innings pitched in 2022 with 201.1. Valdez took a step back in 2025 from his elite run over the past three years, but still started 31 games, for 192 innings with a 3.66 ERA. Just about any team would take that in an instant.

Valdez pitched 22.2 innings more than the top pitcher with the Mets and tied for the most games started. His earned run average would have been third-best for a starter.

Consistent pitching that keeps you in games is what the Mets need, and that is exactly what Valdez brings to a clubhouse. The Mets are in a tough situation where the owner is willing to spend and is putting high expectations on the team each season. They must help out by adding quality starting pitching.

Potential Framber Valdez Contract

Framber Valdez enters free agency for the first time in his career. As one of the top starting pitchers available, he should earn a decent contract for his future services. Having just turned 32 in November, pitchers are showing they are having as much, if not more, longevity than everyday players. This could get him a long-term deal with his next team.

Spotrac.com has Valdez’s market value at six years worth just under $200 million, putting him at an annual average salary of. $33.3 million.

His 2025 production may not reflect these potential earnings that much, but his five years as a starting pitcher do. This number should not be outside the budget of the Mets with what they have been willing to spend in the past, and losing Pete Alonso’s contract from their books will give them more financial freedom to get him.

The New York Mets must make the playoffs in 2026 and make at least a deep run into the playoffs. They can not waste all the money and top-tier talent on mediocre season results. The best way to ensure that is to sign quality pitching, and the best person to start with is Framber Valdez.

Â