Mets All-Star closer could seek another lucrative deal in free agency

New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz is already one of the richest relief pitchers in the history of Major League Baseball, and he could seek an even more lucrative deal this winter.

Diaz is in the midst of the third season of a five-year, $102 million deal signed before 2023. Diaz has an opt-out after this season. Given his performance — pitching to a 1.85 ERA with 26 saves, and 87 strikeouts — some feel as though it’s likely Diaz will hit the open market. Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Mintz named Diaz amongst the top 15 free agents available this winter.

“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,” Mintz said. “I’d be shocked if Díaz is pitching elsewhere next season.”

Diaz has established himself as one of baseball’s best relief arms

Since a disastrous 2019 season — Diaz’s first with the Mets — Diaz has re-established himself as one of the top closers in the game. He’s been named to two All-Star teams with the Mets, and as such is arguably the top relief pitcher that could hit the open market this offseason. 

The Mets are currently clinging on for dear life to the third Wild Card spot in the NL as the season winds down. At 79-74, they are just two games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds, and Arizona Diamondbacks for the final spot. It’s been a miserable month for the Mets, but they’ll do what they can to limp into the postseason after entering this year with World Series aspirations.