Mets could trade for Cardinals' $81 million All-Star, forcing Edwin Díaz decision

It's been a bumpy road for Edwin Díaz since his incredible 2022 season, but the New York Mets have stuck by him.

Díaz famously got hurt in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and couldn't pitch in the majors that season. His 2024 return included a foreign substance suspension and some wild ups and downs, and his 2025 is off to another roller-coaster start.

As of this moment, it doesn't appear that the Mets have another pitcher on the roster who is ready to take over closer duties if Díaz ever falters again. But the front office could change the calculus drastically with a midseason trade.

The target of that trade, claims one baseball writer, may be a St. Louis Cardinals fireballer.

On Saturday, ClutchPoints' Zachary Howell named Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, the 2024 National League Reliever of the Year, as a potential Mets trade target ahead of the Jul. 31 deadline.

"The Mets already have their guy with Edwin Díaz. However, an injury scare for the New York closer could have the team looking for insurance options," Howell wrote.

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"Even if Helsley doesn't unseat him for the lead role in the bullpen, he can be an invaluable setup man for Carlos Mendoza. Controlling the end of games is crucial to success, and the Mets could use an upgrade at the end of games."

Helsley, 30, saved 49 games last season and has similar stats to Díaz to start the season, though his strikeout numbers are slightly down with 11 punchouts in 12 innings. He'll be a free agent at the end of the year, and Spotrac projects him for a six-year, $81 million contract.

It doesn't seem likely that the Mets would want to pay two relievers top-of-the-market money, and Díaz also doesn't seem likely to opt out of his 2026 and 2027 salaries, so the Mets would be left with a one-year rental--and a decision to make.

Would they stick by Díaz as their closer even if Helsley came in to reinforce the bullpen? It would be a fascinating discussion both during and after the trade talks.

More MLB: Yankees urged to trade for $260 million Cardinals star after Jazz Chisholm Jr. injury