Mets Push to Keep Edwin Díaz as Market Heats Up

After serving as the Mets’ thunderous closer for the past six seasons, Edwin Díaz could suddenly be on his way to a different team.

Mets Push to Keep Edwin Díaz as Market Heats Up

Díaz, one of the league’s most talented closers, officially opted out of his five-year, $102 million contract following the end of a disappointing Mets season, one where he remained an elite performer. The 31-year-old tallied 28 saves and posted a 1.63 ERA in 66 1/3 innings. The Mets used Díaz to their advantage this season, allowing him to toss several multi-inning outings due to their depleted bullpen. But now, with a new contract looming, are the Mets really in danger of losing one of the best closers in franchise history?

Put it this way: the Mets are viewed as having a 50–50 chance to re-sign the two-time NL Reliever of the Year. That’s at least that’s how Díaz put it at the MLB awards show Thursday. The deal he’s seeking is expected to be similar to the one he landed in 2022 after his dominant season, likely in the five-year, $100–110 million range.

The case for Edwin Diaz

However, the Mets still hold an advantage over every other team in the bidding for Díaz. The reason is that he has spent the last six seasons in Queens, and they wouldn’t lose a draft pick if they retained him.

As for other teams involved, the Blue Jays have reportedly already met with Díaz’s agents to begin contract discussions, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The Dodgers have also been linked to Díaz as they pursue an elite late-inning arm to bolster their already star-studded roster.

For the Mets, it should almost be a no-brainer to bring Díaz back. Not only does he provide one of the best late-game arms in baseball, but he also has a chance to chase the franchise record in saves. He currently sits third all-time with 144, behind John Franco (276) and Armando Benítez (160).

The Mets reportedly made their preliminary offer to Díaz and his camp Friday night, per Dan Bartels of the New York Post, as contract talks begin to progress with the offseason now in full swing. It’s simple: bring Díaz back, bring Pete Alonso back, and keep Mets fans happy.