Mets making Diaz highest-paid reliever in MLB history

Oct 8, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) reacts in the eighth inning during game two of the Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Mets making Edwin Diaz highest-paid reliever in MLB history

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 11/6/22

Sound the trumpets, Mets fans.

Not only does it seem that Edwin Diaz is going to remain with the New York Mets, it also appears he will be the highest paid relief pitcher in the history of Major League Baseball.

According to multiple reports on Sunday evening, including Bob Nightengale, Ken Rosenthal, and Jeff Passan, the Mets and Diaz have agreed to terms on a five-year, $102 million dollar contract.

The deal reportedly includes an opt-out clause, a sixth-year option, and a full no-trade clause.

Star closer Edwin Díaz and the New York Mets are in agreement on a five-year, $102 million contract, pending physical, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. There’s an opt-out and a full no-trade clause, plus a sixth-year option. The best closer in baseball stays in New York.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 6, 2022

Diaz has been a member of the Mets since the 2019 season when he was acquired in the Robinson Cano trade. After an inconsistent debut season with the Mets, Diaz rapidly developed into the most dominant relief pitcher in baseball and is coming off of a monster 2022 season where he was nearly unhittable.

In 62 innings he posted a 1.31 ERA, allowed only 34 hits, and struck out 118 batters to only 18 walks. He averaged more than 17 strikeouts per nine innings, and has averaged 14.8 for his entire career.

Keeping Diaz was obviously one of the Mets' top priorities this offseason, but their offseason cannot end with this signing. The Mets should have sky-high expectations for the 2023 season and need to erase the bad taste that came with a second half collapse that saw them lose a huge lead in the National League East to the Atlanta Braves, and then go out with a whimper in the playoffs.

They should be major players in the free agent market where there are several high-end players, including Aaron Judge, Carlos Correa, Justin Verlander, Trea Turner, and Xander Bogearts.

Their own ace starting pitcher, Jacob DeGrom, is also a free agent.

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