Edwin Díaz on the Brink of Making MLB History
The landscape of Major League Baseball is gradually evolving to give relief pitchers their due recognition. This summer, the legendary Billy Wagner, known for his prowess as a closer, was enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, a significant milestone that reflects a growing appreciation for this critical position. Beginning next season, the Baseball Writers Association of America will further honor these unsung heroes by introducing National Relief Pitcher of the Year Awards for each league, expanding the recognition of relief pitching excellence.
Recognition for Relief Pitchers
Despite the historical oversight, relief pitchers have begun to garner accolades in recent years. Since 2014, MLB has introduced the Mariano Rivera Award for the American League and the Trevor Hoffman Award for the National League. These awards, determined by a panel of former relievers, aim to spotlight the significant contributions of non-starting pitchers to their teams’ successes.
Bowden’s Prediction for Díaz
In a recent revelation, former general manager and current contributor to The Athletic, Jim Bowden, placed his bets on New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz as the frontrunner for this year’s Trevor Hoffman Award. His endorsement not only highlights Díaz’s remarkable season but also suggests that the elite closer is on the verge of joining an exclusive club.
Díaz’s Stellar Season
Bowden acknowledged Díaz’s impressive performance, noting that the right-hander made his third All-Star team this year, successfully converting 26 saves while posting a 1.88 ERA. The statistics tell a compelling story: Díaz has allowed a mere 5.65 hits per nine innings and boasts an astounding strikeout rate of more than four times the number of walks he has issued. Statcast data underscores his dominance — he ranks in the 99th percentile for strikeout percentage and expected batting average, while also landing in the 96th percentile for fastball velocity.
After a challenging 2023 season marred by a ruptured patella tendon that sidelined him, Díaz has bounced back to deliver two consecutive seasons with over 50 appearances, a testament to his resilience and skill.
Aiming for Historical Status
This isn’t the first time Díaz has been recognized for his elite performance on the mound. He previously secured the Trevor Hoffman Award in 2022 and earned the Mariano Rivera Award in 2017 while with the Seattle Mariners. Winning both awards would place him in a rarefied air alongside only one other player in history.
Josh Hader, who won the Trevor Hoffman Award three times between 2018 and 2021 with the Milwaukee Brewers, remains the only pitcher to have claimed three such honors across both leagues. Craig Kimbrel also stands out as a dual award winner, having captured the Trevor Hoffman Award in 2014 and the Mariano Rivera Award in 2017.
Díaz’s Impressive Stats
Díaz’s season has been nothing short of remarkable. In addition to his low ERA, he has successfully converted 89.7% of his save opportunities, securing 29 saves in total. His record stands at 6-3 with a minuscule 0.99 WHIP. Over 57.1 innings pitched across 55 appearances, Díaz has racked up 85 strikeouts while limiting opposing batters to a paltry .182 average.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Edwin Díaz, not just for his pursuit of the Trevor Hoffman Award, but also for the historical context of his achievements in the ever-evolving narrative of baseball history.
