New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz is going to be the top reliever available in free agency.
In fact, one could argue that Diaz is one of the top five free agents that will be available. Even with the probability that the Mets extend a Qualifying Offer, he is likely to receive one of the highest paid contract handed out to any reliever. Every team with an eye on contending in 2023 and beyond will covet Diaz to handle the ninth inning and solidify the back of their bullpen.
Three possible landing spots for New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz
But it is a matter of the cost. How much money will teams be comfortable giving to a closer, especially given the volatile nature of the position? And how many teams are going to be willing to part with a draft pick to bring in a closer in the first place? For teams that desperately need to find an answer in the ninth inning, that is the question that will need to be answered.
New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz is easily the top reliever in free agency. Let’s take a look at three possible landing spots this offseason.
New York Mets
The New York Mets are going to have an advantage when it comes to Edwin Diaz.
All he will cost is money. The Mets will not need to give up draft pick compensation to keep him on board, something that could limit Diaz’s market. He is the player amongst their top free agents that the Mets are the most bullish on retaining as he is beloved throughout the organization.
Diaz was one of the biggest keys to the Mets’ success. Despite any concerns about their bullpen over the course of the season, he was there to nail down the ninth inning. The Mets may have been overtaken by the Braves for the division, and faltered in the Wild Card round, but that was not on Diaz.
He will also be a key part of the Mets’ success going forward as well. While it is possible to catch lightning in a bottle and find another dominant force in the ninth inning, that is not something that a championship caliber team wants to experiment with. Diaz is going to be expensive, but he will be worth every penny to keep.
Edwin Diaz was exactly what the New York Mets needed in the back of the bullpen. They may be the favorites to keep him as well.