Aspect New York Mets One of his primary goals heading into the offseason is to bolster the starting rotation.

While the Mets’ 2024 rotation is surprisingly durable (other than Kodai Senga), most of these key pieces could end up on a different team next year; While both Luis Severino and Jose Quintana have become unrestricted free agents, Sean Manaea is also expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent. New York has also been linked to Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes, the top pitcher in free agency.

But the Mets could also look to the trade market for rotation upgrades, per Zachary Rymer Bleacher Report, one of the best left-handed starters in baseball, could be a good choice.

The American League’s Houston Astros are at a crossroads and could make payroll cuts. according to general manager Dana Brown.. In that regard, starting pitcher Framber Valdez is available via trade.

“Valdez will earn $17.8 million through arbitration next year. That’s not bad at all for a pitcher his size, but the Astros can do a lot if they pony up that money (e.g., re-sign Alex Bregman or add bullpen pieces). free” Rymer He wrote in an article listing the most likely trade pieces for every MLB team. “It’s also true that Houston is in relatively good shape as a starting pitcher. Even if you take out Valdez, they still have Hunter Brown, Spencer Arrighetti and Ronel Blanco, as well as Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. coming back from injuries.”

Rymer then listed three teams that would suit Valdez; In addition to the Mets, the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles have also been listed as potential destinations for the 30-year-old left-hander.

Following his breakout season in 2020, Valdez has emerged as a consistent Cy Young contender with a 3.12 ERA, 3.36 FIP and 1.15 WHIP in five seasons in the starting rotation. The lefty has one of the league’s best hitters, is known as a groundball machine, and excels at both striking out batters (8.80 K/9) and limiting walks (2.92 BB/9).

Given Valdez’s history, the Mets would likely need to send one of their top prospects to Houston to acquire him. However, while New York has a deep farm system with plenty of big-time potential, the Astros need to breathe life into a barren minor league pipeline; Even if it’s a blockbuster, the Mets need to be in good shape in terms of prospects and might even take on Valdez’s salary to avoid sacrificing additional prospects (due to Steve Cohen’s deep pockets).

Thanks to an exciting 2024 season, the Mets’ World Series window is wide open and they have every incentive to build the best team possible. While their starting rotation is currently in a transitional phase, acquiring a proven stud like Valdez will stabilize him for years to come.