Edwin Díaz is staying put in New York.
And the New York Mets are paying the best closer in baseball a historic amount to make that happen.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Sunday that the Mets and Díaz are “closing in” on a five-year, $102 million contract. The 28-year-old reliever would have been eligible for free agency, which begins Thursday.
Díaz made his second All-Star team this season en route to a 1.31 ERA and 32 saves. Díaz has averaged 37 saves per year in his last four full seasons, not including the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. Of course, don’t overlook the entertainment value that Díaz brings with his trumpet-filled entrance from the bullpen to “Narco” by musician Timmy Trumpet.
https://twitter.com/genymets/status/1589373921006342144
The MLB world seemed to disagree on the deal’s fallout. Some believe the Mets and Diaz both helped themselves with the contract, while others point out that money could be better spent elsewhere.
“The Mets get a top priority locked up before full free agency starts on Thursday,” tweeted ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
“A lot of money for a guy who can only help you for an inning every other day,” pointed out Matthew Bullard.
“Good deal for the Mets. Good deal for Edwin Díaz. That’s a win-win signing right there,” tweeted another user.
https://twitter.com/thirdcoastcards/status/1589374601212985344
https://twitter.com/JonesBeliever/status/1589373918074507265
Good deal for the Mets. Good deal for Edwin Diaz. That's a win-win signing right there.
— Ben K. (@bkabak) November 6, 2022
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.