In this offseason, there was strong speculation that the Mets wanted Tatsuya Imai to replace Kodai Senga. In recent hours, that story has taken a turn. Everything points to the fact that the real target of the New York team is in Houston. It is Framber Valdez.
David Stearns, the franchise’s president of operations, is believed to have scrapped the possibility of the Saitama Seibu Lions pitcher in order to look locally for a replacement for Senga, who pitched just 118.2 innings with a 3.00 ERA over three seasons and whose spot on the roster is earmarked for a new pitcher
In a recent report from MetCast, the New York organization is offering Valdez a massive contract that would average around $33 million per season. In the latest reports, the version of six years and $200 million was handled. Imai was projected to have a six-year, $157 million deal, including the transfer payment to the Seibu Lions.
With the Astros, Valdez posted a 3.66 ERA in 192 innings during the 2025 season, with two complete games. Unlike Senga, Framber offers stability in the rotation with consistent innings volume and postseason experience. He fits the profile that is wanted for the starting rotation throughout the 2026 season.
The Mets are not completely ruling out the ideal scenario of their plans: to have both Valdez and Imai. They would have a luxury rotation, improving their ERA and total innings pitched. Imai’s fastball sits between 93 and 97 mph, complemented by a slider, and his control improved to 2.5 walks per nine innings last season. Having both of them is an ambitious plan.
Valdez’s character is worrying
One drawback the Mets would have to signing Framber is his temperament. During a game against the Yankees, the pitcher hit catcher Cesar Salazar in the chest after a mix-up in pitch selection. The ball hit Salazar’s chest protector, although both claimed it was unintentional and clarified it afterwards. Nevertheless, his conduct was called into question because it showed that he lacks serenity and handling of pressure in certain scenarios.
The Giants would go for Imai
With an ERA of 1.92 and 178 strikeouts, Tatsuya attracts the Giants. The San Francisco team wants a pitcher of international stature. In this offseason, they are looking for their best option outside of MLB. One of their candidates is the Japanese pitcher. At first, they shied away from his aspirations because the Mets were in the way, but now that New York is trying to negotiate with Valdez, the Giants will take advantage of the situation to make their offer to the Japanese player.
It would be the remedy for the franchise’s headache the previous season: the mishandling of pressure in their rotations. That problem led them to post an ERA of 3.84.
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