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HOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 30: Framber Valdez #59 of the Houston Astros pitches during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Daikin Park on May 30, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
As MLB’s winter meetings get going in the next few days, it is expected that some big signings and trades are going to take place before Christmas. The New York Mets are expected to be big players this offseason in both the free agent and trade markets. They have shown early flashes of this by signing Devin Williams and trading for Marcus Semien.
But what’s next for the Mets? New York still needs another starter or two and an outfielder. They also have big decisions to make with Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz as the winter progresses. A new report urges the Mets to make a huge splash in the free agent market by signing former Astros starter Framber Valdez.
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Mets Urged by MLB Insider to Sign Framber Valdez to $218 Million Deal
One thing is certain this offseason: the New York Mets are going to spend, keep spending, and then spend some more. After a disappointing end to the 2025 season, David Stears, Steve Cohen, and the Mets’ front office are on a mission to make amends with the fan base after missing the playoffs.
In a “Winter Meetings Wish List” article, MLB insider Jim Bowden urges the New York Mets to make a huge splash in the next week by signing Framber Valdez to a 7-year, $218 million deal:
“Framber Valdez to the New York Mets for 7 years, $218 million”
“The Mets need an ace at the top of the rotation and Valdez can be just that. His high ground-ball rate and ability to miss bats, combined with his ability to pitch in big games, bode well for him pitching in Queens.”
Astros pitcher Framber Valdez
Adding Framber Valdez would slot in as the Mets’ immediate ace, as the current best options in New York’s rotation include Clay Holmes and David Peterson. Valdez is drawing some doubts from teams because of an incident with an Astros catcher back in September, but those doubts have seemed to blow over, as MLB execs realize how valuable Framber can be.
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What Would Framber Valdez Bring to the Mets?
Framber Valdez has been one of MLB’s best and most consistent starters for several years now.
He is a two-time All-Star and has four consecutive seasons of making 28+ starts and 175+ innings.
In 2025, Valdez posted a 3.66 ERA in 192 innings, while striking out 187 hitters and having a microscopic 0.7 HR/9 allowed.
Valdez has spent all eight seasons of his MLB career with the Houston Astros, but is now expected to depart in free agency. He is a 2022 World Series Champion.
According to BaseballReference.com, Framber Valdez is projected to post a 3.57 ERA over 174 innings in 2026.
As MLB’s winter meetings get underway this weekend, it will be very interesting to see what kind of buzz Valdez receives in his free agency sweepstakes and how active the New York Mets are.
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