Earlier in the winter, the New York Mets inked their star closer from the 2022 season, Edwin Diaz, to a lucrative five year contract worth just north of $100 million.
The contract New York handed to the 2022 Reliever of the Year marked a record for the largest contract in terms of value ever given out to a reliever in MLB history. So, why is the Amazin’s new long term closer worth this substantial contract? Keep reading to find out.
The pure dominance displayed by New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz in 2022
The most obvious reason Diaz earned his new contract is because of the incredible stats he posted in the 2022 regular season. The Mets closer put together a stellar 1.31 ERA and a 0.839 WHiP while notching 32 saves and posting a 3.2 bWAR. Diaz also struck out 118 hitters during his 62 innings of work. These numbers produced by Diaz indicate that he is only getting started, and there is no reason to believe any regression is coming for the 28 year old closer.
The branding of the famous trumpets
Diaz also bring more than his statistical accomplishments and accolades on the field. He created a brand for himself, a brand that is beloved by all Mets fans with his entry song – “Narco” by Timmy Trumpet.
As the song blares over the loud speakers at Citi Field, fans stand up from their seats and watch Diaz trot in from the right center field bullpen. A series of special effects accompany the tune as he arrives at the mound. This entrance has certainly sparked excitement around Mets fans in Queens and around the world and is just another reason Diaz is going to earn that contract from more than his dazzling stats.
Between the pure dominance of the game and the sparkling stats, to the famous entrance Mets fans have come to adore, Edwin Diaz will earn every bit of that five year contract he signed with New York earlier in the winter. The ticket sales will be through the roof, and hitters will continue to fear the game’s most dominant closer. Edwin Diaz is certainly worth that lucrative contract, and will earn every piece of it going forward.