Edwin Diaz poised for historic payday as Mets face free agency dilemma
New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz is already among the wealthiest relief pitchers in Major League Baseball history, and this winter could see him command an even more staggering contract. Currently, Diaz is navigating the third season of a five-year, $102 million deal that he signed prior to the 2023 season. With an opt-out clause looming after this year, the stakes are high. Given his impressive performance—boasting a 1.85 ERA, 26 saves, and 87 strikeouts—many expect Diaz to explore the open market when the offseason arrives.
Jake Mintz, a prominent voice at Yahoo! Sports, highlighted Diaz as one of the top 15 free agents set to hit the market this winter. “The Mets will surely work hard to keep their closer in Queens, but they might need to craft a new contract to get it done,” Mintz noted, expressing confidence in Diaz’s staying power. “I’d be shocked if Díaz is pitching elsewhere next season.”
Diaz’s resurgence as a premier closer
Since a rocky debut season with the Mets in 2019, Edwin Diaz has transformed his career trajectory, firmly establishing himself as one of the elite closers in the game. His resurgence has been marked by two All-Star selections, and his credentials position him as arguably the most sought-after relief pitcher available this offseason.
As the Mets grapple with their playoff aspirations, they find themselves clinging to the third Wild Card spot in the National League. With a record of 79-74, they sit precariously just two games ahead of both the Cincinnati Reds and the Arizona Diamondbacks. This month has proven particularly challenging for the Mets, yet they remain determined to secure a postseason berth after entering the year with lofty World Series ambitions.
As the season winds down, the potential for Diaz to opt-out adds another layer of urgency for the Mets as they aim to retain their star closer amidst a turbulent stretch. The path forward remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher for Diaz and the Mets.
