5 predictions for the NY Mets at this week’s MLB Winter Meetings

5) Mets are named the runner-up for Framber Valdez who signs somewhere else

Framber Valdez will sign during the MLB Winter Meetings to a contract that has us thanking whoever it is we pray to because it won’t be with the Mets. The fallout from the contract will direct us toward notes about how the Mets made a competitive offer and were viewed as the runner-up.

Because so few starting pitcher trade candidates are looking realistic, the Mets might have to get uncomfortable and sign a player like Valdez for more, and longer, than they’d like. The deciding factor will be the Mets’ reluctance to give him the years he wants. A team like the Baltimore Orioles or more likely the San Francisco Giants will give in and sign him. Let’s go with the latter. The Giants never get the sluggers they want. They can certainly nab a pitcher who lives on ground balls.

Where does this leave the Mets? We’re going to have to wait to see some more dominos fall. Tatsuya Imai is someone to keep an eye on as he won’t cost the Mets draft picks. They seem very likely to add one qualifying offer player, just as long as the player is within their desired price range.

After Valdez, one of the most similar players available is Ranger Suarez. Could they win his sweepstakes? Don’t count it out.