Mets' Edwin Diaz reveals his goal for 2023 season

New York Mets All-Star closer Edwin Diaz wants to face MLB opposition before the 2023 season ends even though the club is essentially out of the playoff picture ahead of September. 

"The goal is, I want to pitch this year, but I’ve got all these checkmarks to check off," Diaz told reporters on Monday afternoon, per Alex Smith of SNY. "We have to see what’s coming up." 

Diaz signed a five-year, $102M contract with the Mets last November but then suffered a right patellar tendon tear that required him to have surgery as he celebrated a Puerto Rico victory over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic in March. 

He said Monday that he always wanted to be ready to play six months after he went under the knife and he threw a bullpen session for the first time since his setback on Sunday. 

"We’re feeling great, the progress has been perfect," Diaz explained. "We are checking a lot of boxes, and we feel really good right now." 

The Mets head into the start of a home series against the Texas Rangers on Monday at 60-71 and nine games back in the race for a wild-card playoff spot. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported earlier this month that shopping Diaz this offseason could be part of the Mets' fire sale that began ahead of the trade deadline, but the 29-year-old sounds committed to helping his current club for even a few games next month and for all of at least the 2024 season. 

"Sitting outside and watching the team play, I want to be there with them closing games in the ninth," Diaz added during his comments. "My goal is to come back as soon as I can." 

The Mets may or may not trade All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso this offseason to further restock their farm system with 2025 and/or 2026 in mind. If they go down that route, a healthy Diaz could become the most coveted reliever on the trade market.