The New York Mets endured a brutal end to last season, going from the best record in baseball to missing the playoffs entirely. 

“The New York Mets, losers of six straight, are down 6-0 and facing Jacob deGrom. Since starting 45-24 and owning the best record in MLB, the Mets are 31-47, better than only the Rockies, Twins and Nationals. This isn’t a collapse. It’s a disintegration,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan posted.

The Mets began the offseason slowly, failing to make any major signings or trades. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, New York made a flurry of moves, highlighted by a trade for starting pitcher Freddy Peralta.

“The New York Mets’ winterlong pursuit of a front-line starting pitcher ended late Wednesday when they acquired All-Star Freddy Peralta, as well as fellow right-hander Tobias Myers, from the Milwaukee Brewers for Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams, two of their top prospects,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.

Despite that addition, the Mets could still pursue another high-profile starter. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand believes New York remains a potential landing spot for Framber Valdez.

“The Mets have also been closely connected to Valdez all offseason, though their recent trade for Peralta has lessened their need for a frontline starter. Still, given McLean’s inexperience and the fact that Holmes is only in his second season as a starter, New York could look to add another proven arm to the rotation. President of baseball operations David Stearns has never been one to give long-term deals to starting pitchers, but if Valdez becomes open to a short-term deal with opt-outs, he could become an appealing option for the Mets,” Feinsand wrote.

Signing Valdez would further solidify what has already become a successful offseason for New York. With Spring Training approaching, the World Series champion is still searching for his next destination.

If Valdez comes to terms with the reality that a larger contract may not be available, the Mets could emerge as a prime contender. Adding Valdez would be a move that could push New York into favorite status in the NL East.

More MLB news: