Blue Jays Make Announcement After Edwin Diaz News

Beginning his career with the Seattle Mariners where he spent three seasons, Diaz has spent the last seven years of his career with the New York Mets. One of those years was lost entirely to injury, but in his six seasons on the field in New York, Diaz has posted a 2.93 ERA and nailed down 144 saves — third most in franchise history.

Blue Jays Outright Reliever Amid Links to Edwin Diaz

On Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that both Toronto and Los Angeles have been linked to Diaz in free agency — and despite the right-hander's interest in a Mets reunion, he himself admitted the odds are "50-50" that he is back in New York next season.

Additionally, it was reported on Friday by Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post that the Mets are currently unwilling to offer Diaz the five-year contract he desires — which could open the door for Toronto to swoop in.

Following this news, the Blue Jays announced they had removed right-handed relief pitcher Yariel Rodríguez from their roster. The 28-year-old was outrighted off the 40-man roster after clearing outright assignment waivers.

Rodríguez appeared in 66 games for Toronto last season, posting a 3.08 ERA and recording two saves. He also made four appearances in the playoffs, but struggled mightily — surrendering three earned runs, two home runs, and walking four batters in just 2.2 innings of work.

While Rodríguez's struggles in the postseason helped make this decision easier for the Blue Jays, his spot in the bullpen will still need to be filled. His 73 innings pitched last season were the most among Toronto's primary relievers, and his 14 holds ranked second on the team.

Blue Jays Could Reinforce Bullpen With Edwin Diaz in MLB Free Agency

Should the Blue Jays land Diaz in free agency, this would likely move current closer Jeff Hoffman into a setup role. Assuming no other moves are made, this would slide every other reliever down one inning, making the Rodríguez move easier to account for.

Hoffman saved 33 games for the Blue Jays last season, but posted a 4.37 ERA which was his worst since 2021. He also blew the save in Game 7 of the World Series, giving up a game-tying home run to Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas.

Last month, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said Hoffman isn't married to the closer role, telling reporters via Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, "The great thing about Jeff is he’s not married to that... I think he would be open to anything that makes us better."

With Toronto pursuing Diaz, Hoffman's willingness to move to the eighth inning would help bolster the Blue Jays' bullpen. This could be especially critical now with Rodríguez no longer on the roster. Diaz posted a 1.63 ERA in 62 games last season, and would be a big addition for the defending AL Champions.

At 31 years old, Diaz's projected value in free agency is four years at $78.7 million (via Spotrac).