Valdez inks massive Tigers deal, leaving Mets empty-handed after winter pursuit. Detroit lands ace, New York pivots to other targets.
The remaining top free agent, left-handed starting pitcher Framber Valdez, finally struck a deal on Wednesday night, signing a three-year, $115 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. The deal comes as the Tigers make a push for the AL Central title, something they haven't won in over a decade.
Not only was Valdez just the top free agent remaining, but he had been linked to the New York Mets since the offseason began. Given New York’s need for starting pitching help after last season, Valdez became an obvious target.
Despite being one of the favorites to land the 32-year-old, the Mets became unlikely to sign the southpaw after trading for Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers back in January. Instead of dishing out over $100 million for Valdez, the Mets’ front office decided to trade for Peralta and his $8 million salary in 2026.
It doesn't mean they missed out on talent just because Peralata is significantly cheaper. In fact, Peralta had a much better 2025 campaign than Valdez, becoming an All-Star for the second time in his career by posting a career-low 2.70 ERA and recording 17 wins. It was enough to put him in fifth place, which still feels low, in Cy Young voting in the National League.
Valdez had a good year, too, just not on the same level as Peralta. His 3.66 ERA across 192 innings made him the top arm in this year’s starting pitching pool. There were concerns about Valdez, however, after questions about his attitude started arising. His down year, combined with concerns about his attitude, made Peralta the better pick for the Mets, especially given the price difference.
In doing so, the Mets were able to spend money on players like infielders Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco, and relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. Even with all the money spent this winter, Valdez remained a possibility for New York even after the Peralta trade. With their seemingly endless pool of money, it wasn't out of the question for the Mets to land the 8-year veteran.
It’s clear now that both sides didn't see a match together, with Valdez choosing Detroit, where he’ll be making the highest salary of any left-handed pitcher in baseball history. He now joins a Tigers team still trying to manage the situation with left-handed ace Tarik Skubal, whose arbitration hearings are underway. Though they missed out on Valdez, the Mets are still a favorite to trade for Skubal if the Tigers decide the time is right. For now, though, the Mets are comfortable with their roster after a slew of moves this offseason.