In addition to belonging to the same city, Yankees and Mets fans have something else in common: both fan bases are biting their nails in desperation because their teams have not made a big offseason signing. As if that were not enough, their franchises are looking for the same pitcher at the moment.
Both the Mets and the Yankees have been expected to sign players, but they have not been impatient to strengthen for the 2026 season. If they have not opened their checkbooks so far in the winter market, it is because they are waiting to put on the table contracts that their targets will hardly refuse.
Both franchises have studied the players they want well, which is why they have also been slow to sign. They evaluate and analyze their candidates. This week, the two New York organizations are in the news because they have set their sights on the same player, pitcher Framber Valdez, currently with the Houston Astros.
Valdez was only on the Yankees’ radar, but the Mets jumped into the race after their plan A, Ranger Suarez, signed a five-year, $130 million deal with Boston.
Framber Valdez’s pretensions are within the payroll range that both teams have to invest in a star pitcher. His rate is six years and $200 million. It fits in with the financial budget and the estimated time frame; the Yankees are looking for a player to sign for five years and the Mets want a medium-term signing
Yankees and Mets have studied Valdez’s numbers
The pitcher recorded 187 strikeouts in 192 innings in 2025, which reinforces his durability as a frontline starter for contending teams. His 1.24 WHIP supports consistent run prevention, which is highly valued by New York organizations’ front offices throughout the league. The Mets need stability in innings pitched after the collapse of 2025, when they went from a 45-24 record to finish the season at 83-79.
The Yankees face health questions with Cole’s recovery and several starters unavailable at the start of the 2026 season. In the Bronx, Valdez would complement Gerrit Cole, Max Fried and Carlos Rodon, providing certainty in the workload throughout the 2026 season
Freddy Peralta, the Yankees’ alternative plan
The franchise is considering the option of the Brewers pitcher. Reports indicate that interest grew as Gerrit Cole recovers from surgery and Carlos Rodon is not expected to return until May. Currently a free agent, Peralta is attracting the Yankees.
Milwaukee are willing to listen to offers, especially as the player will enter the final year of his contract in 2026, with a salary of eight million dollars.
Peralta’s 2025 season backs up the interest generated, as he finished with a 17-6 record and a 2.70 ERA in 176.2 innings. Underlying indicators confirmed the sustainability of his performance, including a 3.47 xERA, 3.64 FIP and a Stuff+ value of 107. Despite a 37.3% ground ball rate, he limited the damage with 28.4% hard contact and an xBA of .206.
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