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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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The New York Mets know their starting pitching is the biggest weakness right now with the current construction of the roster.
Even with the trio of young pitchers, led by Nolan McLean, the Mets know they can't enter the regular season with the rotation in its current state. David Stearns is feeling the pressure to go out and acquire an ace.
In the latest offseason prediction, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicted the Mets to add former Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez to the rotation.
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"A year after using 17 different starting pitchers and finishing 18th in the majors with a 4.13 ERA from the starting staff, the Mets have yet to add a single starter to their 40-man roster, assuming Luke Weaver is going to remain in the bullpen," Reuter wrote. "Clay Holmes is the logical player to slot in the bullpen from the current projected rotation if they do end up making a splash with someone like Framber Valdez, given his experience closing games for the Yankees."
Valdez would slide in as the ace of the Mets rotation ahead of McLean. The veteran lefty is one of the best in the game with inducing groundballs and limiting hard contact from opponents. New York would certainly benefit from landing his services.
The only obstacle between the two sides is the length of the contract. Stearns is hesitant to hand out long-term deals to starting pitchers, and that is exactly what Valdez is seeking. It's likely the two sides would have to settle on a shorter contract with a high AAV and opt-outs after year. The Mets would certainly be risking it with this approach, but Stearns is known for doing just that.
With the start of spring training slowly closing in, the Mets know they need to do something. Adding Valdez would drastically change the perception of the current roster.
More MLB: New York Mets Prediction: Plan B Outfielder Signs on Short-Term Deal
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