Mets called 'perfect fit' for 2 remaining free agents

The New York Mets still make a lot of sense for these two available free agents.

Mar 26, 2022; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; The New York Mets logo stands in center field before the game against the Washington Nationals at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

The New York Mets are running out of options when it comes to improving their roster ahead of the 2026 season.

The good news is that New York signed star infielder Bo Bichette earlier this week, which has helped reverse some of the sentiment that the team has had one of the worst offseasons in all of baseball. But there's no question that David Stearns still has work to do if he's to cement this team as a playoff (and potential World Series) contender this year.

Read more: How Bo Bichette will impact Mets clubhouse chemistry

New York's most pressing need is adding an outfielder. They still haven't filled the hole in left field that was created when trading Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien, and Tyrone Taylor starting in center field doesn't inspire a ton of excitement. So it's safe to assume that the Mets will either sign Cody Bellinger, add a player a tier or two below Bellinger like Harrison Bader, or execute a trade for someone like Lars Nootbaar to improve their outfield before Opening Day.

Sep 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader (2) scores a run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Perhaps equally as important as adding an outfielder is securing a frontline starting pitcher to pair with Nolan McLean. The Mets' starting staff isn't intimidating right now, and its many question marks could ultimately produce similar frustration that Mets fans had to deal with down the stretch last year.

Insider asserts Mets are "perfect fit" for top free agent pitchers

Like with the outfield, David Stearns has options when improving his team's rotation. He could try to get a trade for an ace like Freddy Peralta, or he could pursue one through free agency.

While recent reports have indicated that Stearns prefers to add a starting pitcher via the trade market, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale asserted that this doesn't take the Mets out of contention for the two best free agent hurlers available in a January 16 article.

"You don’t think the Mets are going to stop after signing Bichette, do you? Then you don’t know owner Steve Cohen, who’s not worth $21 billion from hot dog sales at the ballpark," Nightengale wrote.

"The Mets still want a front-line starting pitcher, and are the perfect fit for starter Zac Gallen or Valdez, while remaining in the market for Bellinger," he added.

Framber Valdez has ties to the Mets and Orioles front offices, who are both reportedly seen as favorites to land the left-hander. pic.twitter.com/MWV3zPC7lC

— MLB (@MLB) December 5, 2025

Both Gallen and Valdez would be great options, and adding either would do a lot to increase the Mets' rotation's chances of collective success next season.