The New York Mets started off the season looking like one of the best teams in baseball. However, their late-season collapse led to the team missing the postseason altogether.

The Mets went 28-37 in the second half and lost the National League East to the Philadelphia Phillies by a wide margin. The starting rotation presented many problems for the team, and free agency could be a means to getting back on track. Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston predicted the Mets would sign Framber Valdez in free agency.

“A consistent performer at the top of the Astros’ rotation and a major reason the team was still in the playoff hunt as long as it was, he will have the eyes of plenty of suitors come the opening of free agency, including organizations like the Mets, (Baltimore) Orioles, and (Chicago) Cubs, all of whom are arguably one legitimate starter away from being credible World Series contenders,” wrote Beaston. “Look for one of those squads to get their man, with the Mets always holding the financial upper hand.”

Valdez has been one of the best pitchers in baseball in the last five years. Since 2021, he has had a 3.20 ERA in 143 starts. He is a two-time All-Star and has received Cy Young Award votes four times in his career.

This season, he made 31 starts and had a 3.66 ERA. Spotrac projects him to sign a six-year, $199 million deal. He could slot in as the new ace for the Mets. Meanwhile, Nolan McLean could take a leap next season and Kodai Senga could return to his pre-injury form, setting the Mets up for some success.