NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 11: Edwin Diaz #36 of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout during the top of the seventh inning during the game against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on June 11, 2024 in the Queens Borough of New York City. (Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images)
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The New York Mets could lose one of their most dependable star players this winter as he explores a move to a team that made it all the way to the World Series last year.
The Mets saw closer Edwin Diaz opt out of his contract after another All-Star season to return to free agency and take perhaps his last stab at a new long-term contract. The Mets, like virtually every contending team, could certainly use an arm like Diaz’s in their bullpen moving forward, but it won’t be cheap.
“Diaz, who turns 32 in March, wants the same kind of deal he signed with the Mets in November 2022, according to a person briefed on his wishes — five years, $102 million,” Ken Rosenthal reported for The Athletic. “He opted out of the final two years and $38 million in the deal, and is certain to turn down the Mets’ one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer.”
On Thursday, the star reliever sent a message that could be a bit disheartening for any fans or teammates who might be hoping that Diaz will return.
“Edwin Diaz, at the MLB awards in Vegas, said there have been discussions between his representation and the Mets about a new contract,” the New York Post’s Mike Puma reported. “He put the odds of a return to Queens at 50-50.”
Diaz was in Las Vegas to accept his second career National League Closer of the Year Award, which underscored just how valuable of a free agent he is.
And the odds he gave a potential return to the Mets might seem a little low, given the fact that Diaz has already opened discussions with the Mets, where he has had so much success. But those odds were provided after Diaz’s representation met with another big market franchise, which could explain why he feels his previous club can’t be considered a favorite for his next landing spot.
“The (Toronto) Blue Jays, according to people briefed on their activity, met with Diaz’s agents from Wasserman at the general manager’s meetings,” Rosenthal added. “Diaz is the best player at his position, and the Blue Jays just experienced the most crushing failure imaginable at that position (in the World Series).”
The Blue Jays could be looking to fortify their closer role after Jeff Hoffman cost them World Series Game 7 in extra innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers. And if they are willing to meet Diaz’s asking price, perhaps his tenure with the Mets has already come to its end.