Mets seem like ‘inevitable’ destination for one of these top free agents, MLB insider says

6 days ago 2

The Mets seem ready to make a major addition to their rotation, and MLB insider Buster Olney believes two pitchers are at the top of their radar.

In a collaboration with ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Olney wrote about what he’s hearing this hot stove season on Tuesday. One section in particular should pique Mets’ fans interest.

“(Ranger) Suarez and (Framber) Valdez, for sure,” Olney says, via ESPN. “With the Mets still needing help in their rotation, it seems inevitable they’ll land one of these two — and Suarez makes a lot of sense, given his calm mound presence and experience pitching in a big market for all of those years in Philadelphia."

The Mets rotation is currently filled with question marks. With the exception of rookie Nolan McLean, likely taking the No. 1 spot in the rotation, and Clay Holmes, the remaining starters spark little confidence, considering the seasons they had in 2025.

Left handers David Peterson and Sean Manaea both had miserable years, both posting ERA’s north of 4.00. Kodai Senga posted a 6.56 ERA in the final eight starts of a season marred by injuries.

Valdez has built a reputation as one of the most durable “workhorses” in the AL. A two-time All-Star (2022, 2023) and World Series champion, Valdez is a master of the ground ball, consistently leading the league in ground-ball rate thanks to his heavy sinker.

His career is highlighted by a no-hitter thrown against the Cleveland Guardians in August 2023 and a dominant 2022 postseason where he earned the win in the clinching Game 6 of the World Series.

Despite a slightly elevated 3.66 ERA in 2025, his ability to eat innings — he’s exceeded 190 innings in multiple seasons— makes him a bonafide ace for any contending staff.

Suárez has successfully shifted from a versatile middle reliever into one of the NL’s best starters. He earned his first All-Star nod in 2024 and is coming off an even 2025 season where he posted a 3.20 ERA and a career-high 4.7 bWAR.

He is considered one of baseball’s best pitchers in high-leverage situations as evidenced by his incredible 1.48 career postseason ERA over more than 40 innings of work.