Part 8/13:
Another concern is how Valdez’s body will age, especially given the trends observed in Houston’s pitchers and the wear and tear over years of heavy innings. His durability appears solid now, but leading into his mid-to-late 30s, questions about velocity decline and long-term effectiveness might influence the Mets’ willingness to commit.
Synergy with Mets Pitching Staff
If acquired, Valdez could complement young arms like David Peterson and Kodai Senga, adding veteran leadership and stability. His track record suggests he’d be a dependable front-line starter if he can be locked in for a few prime years, but the contract negotiations will likely be critical.