3 potential landing spots for New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz

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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.

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Red Sox

The idea of a last place team spending significant money on a closer may seem strange, but the Boston Red Sox are not an ordinary cellar dweller.

While the Red Sox had numerous issues last year, the closer spot was a constant thorn in the side. Nine different pitchers recorded at least one save while three different pitchers tied for the team lead with eight. Matt Barnes, the reliever that was supposed to solidify the role, was a disappointment once again.

Finding a piece that can not only take over as the closer going forward, but can dominate the ninth inning, should be a priority. That is especially the case as the Red Sox look to move out of the AL East basement and contend once more.

Edwin Diaz would be that piece. He has proven that he can handle the media pressure in New York and should be able to do the same in Boston. He would allow the rest of the bullpen to settle into roles more suited to their ability, improving the Red Sox’s relief corps just with his presence. It is something that they desperately need.

The Boston Red Sox need someone that can handle the ninth inning with aplomb. New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz would be exactly that.

Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are essentially building a superpowered All Star Team. And yet, they are still a roster with holes.

One of the biggest holes is at the closer spot. The Dodgers thought they had fixed that issue after Kenley Jansen departed for the Braves when they acquired Craig Kimbrel. Instead, Kimbrel struggled just like he did with the White Sox, eventually losing the closer role and being left off the roster for the NLDS.

While a closer alone may not have stopped their disappointing early exit from the postseason, Diaz would fix one of the biggest needs on the Dodgers. As with the Red Sox, he would allow the Dodgers to set up the rest of their bullpen, putting those arms in positions where they are more likely to find success.

At this point, it is not a matter of winning the division. The Dodgers have been to the postseason every year over the past decade and have just one title – that one coming in the pandemic shortened 2020 season. Diaz may not be the only piece that the Dodgers need, but he can be a part of the solution.

The Los Angeles Dodgers need an answer for the ninth inning. Edwin Diaz would solve that problem.

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