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sports12h ago
Why the Mets should overlook any Framber Valdez concerns
- The Mets are prioritizing rotation upgrades after their 2025 collapse, with Framber Valdez topping the free-agent target list.
- Dylan Cease’s seven-year, $210 million deal with the Blue Jays opened the door for Valdez and other starters on the market.
- Valdez, 32, posted a 3.66 ERA and 8.8 K/9 over 31 starts this season, showcasing durability.
- The Mets’ interior defense could amplify Valdez’s ground-ball approach, aided by Semien and Lindor up the middle.
- Valdez’s career ground-ball rate and low HR/9 have been standout traits since 2021.
- Valdez ’s durability makes him attractive to a team needing reliable innings after 2025 injuries.
- Mets president David Stearns has emphasized run prevention, aligning with Valdez’s strengths.
- A true ace upgrade via trade remains uncertain, possibly limiting Mets’ path to top-end arms.
- Valdez’s postseason experience since 2020 stands out among free-agent pitchers.
- Valdez’s 2025 performance showed a dip, but his ground-ball and sinker value remained effective.
- Top free-agent arms remaining on the market include Valdez, Suárez, King and Imai.
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