Framber Valdez to Mets? MLB Insider Reveals LHP's Potential Free-Agent Landing Spots

Framber Valdez is one of the most notable starting pitchers on the market this offseason, and he reportedly met with multiple teams during general manager meetings in November.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported Sunday the southpaw met with the San Francisco Giants, New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles during the GM meetings.

New York has already been busy this offseason thanks to the signing of closer Devin Williams and trade for Marcus Semien, but it needs more starting pitching depth. It was overly reliant on young arms down the stretch of the 2025 campaign, and Valdez would bring a veteran presence to the rotation.

Baltimore also needs better pitching in a loaded American League East, and the Giants can never have enough arms if they are realistically going to compete with the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.

That Valdez is on the radar for all three is not surprising given their overall roster makeup.

He was a back-to-back All-Star in 2022 and 2023 for the Houston Astros and helped lead the team to the World Series in the first of those seasons. In fact, he posted a 1.44 ERA in four postseason starts during that run to the title, cementing his spot in Astros' history.

Valdez took something of a step back last season, but he still finished with a solid 3.66 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 187 strikeouts in 192 innings.

While a step back in production for someone who is north of 30 years old may undercut some of his market, it seems like multiple teams are interested in adding him as an innings-eating option in the rotation.

The Mets are one of those clubs as they pursue a playoff spot in the National League.