Edwin Diaz has an opt-out clause after this season, and the way he’s pitching, the Mets closer might just use it.
Diaz is already one of the highest-paid relievers in baseball history with his five-year, $102 million deal signed before 2023. But his performance this year — a 1.85 ERA with 26 saves and 87 strikeouts — has him positioned as arguably the top relief pitcher available if he hits free agency.
Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Mintz ranked Diaz among the top 15 free agents this winter, though he doesn’t expect the closer to leave Queens.
“The Mets will surely work hard to keep their closer in Queens, but they might need to craft a new contract to get it done. I’d be shocked if Díaz is pitching elsewhere next season.”
That’s quite the turnaround from where things started for Diaz in New York.
His first season with the Mets in 2019 was a disaster — one that had fans questioning the trade that brought him over from Seattle. But since then, Diaz has rebuilt his reputation as one of the game’s elite closers. He’s made two All-Star teams with the Mets and proven he can handle the pressure of closing games in New York.
The timing of any contract talks will depend partly on how the Mets finish this season. They’re hanging onto the third Wild Card spot in the NL at 79-74, just two games ahead of Cincinnati and Arizona for that final playoff berth.
It’s been a tough September for the Mets after entering the year with World Series expectations. But if they can limp into October, that postseason run could influence how both sides approach Diaz’s future — and whether he decides to test what else is out there.
