After a disappointing season in 2025, the New York Mets are expected to be quite active this winter as they look to improve their roster. One of the areas they are reportedly looking to bolster is their starting rotation.As a result, they are strongly linked to the likes of Framber Valdez and Michael King, two of the most highly-regarded free agent starters.Speaking about the Mets' approach via WFAN on Friday, insider Sal Licata ripped into the NL East outfit, claiming they missed a trick by failing to recognize Max Fried's potential this time last year."If the Mets are going to be in on all these guys, which they are, it actually bothers me that they weren't in at all on Fried last year," Licata said. "Think of the value, I trust Max Fried more than I do (Framber) Valdez or (Ranger) Suarez. He's better!"If I'm going to invest in somebody, I want it to be somebody that's better than Fried that I'm giving more money than Fried to. I'm not going to overpay for a number two or a number three or a guy who might be an ace on some days. Is Valdez a true ace? Is (Michael) King a true ace? Is (Ranger) Suarez a true ace? Look at what you're paying.""There's only two things that matter to me in this offseason as a fan" - NY radio legend lists his priorities for the Mets this winterFeaturing on Thursday's episode of "The Show," legendary sports radio personality Joe Benigno, who is also a childhood New York Mets fan, listed two major priorities he feels the team should target above all else this offseason."There's only two things that matter to me in this offseason as a Mets fan," Benigno said. "I want Alonso and Edwin Diaz signed. Whatever you do after that, obviously, we need starting pitching, there's no question, that's got to be addressed. You could trade anybody not named Lindor, Soto, and McClain."Edwin Diaz (L), Pete Alonso (R) - Source: GettyBoth Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz enjoyed standout 2025 seasons. Alonso ended the season with a .272 batting average, 38 home runs and 126 RBIs, while Diaz finished with a 1.63 ERA, 98 strikeouts and 28 saves. Both players earned All-Star selections for their strong performances.New York are reportedly interested in bringing both stars back to Citi Field. However, with a number of other top clubs also in the mix, the pair's future remains shrouded in uncertainty.