New York Mets extend All-Star closer Edwin Diaz, 5-years, $102 million
The first domino has fallen to start the Major League Baseball offseason. The New York Mets and All-Star closer Edwin Diaz has agreed to a five-year, $102 million deal, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.
There's an opt-out and a full no-trade clause plus a sixth-year option in the contract.
Diaz’s new massive nine-figure deal is the first for a closer. He’ll be become the first closer to eclipse the $20 million AAV mark.
“[Edwin] Diaz’s deal raises the financial ceiling for elite relievers — as did the Astros’ bullpen domination. You have to have an army of relievers to win in this era,” Buster Olney wrote, elaborating on the potential for elite relievers to earn a big payday this winter.
The Mets closer was dominant during the 2022 season. He finished with 32 saves, a 1.31 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 62 innings.
The new deal for the 28-year-old is a huge move for the Mets who have key free agents to deal with this offseason.
Jacob deGrom is expected to opt-out of his contract and Brandon Nimmo will have suitors and reportedly the Rockies are very interested in the outfielder.
deGrom is expected to command a deal very similar to what the Mets gave Max Schrezer last offseason. He would sign a three-year, $130 million deal. The 34-year-old ace wants to remain in New York but he will have numerous teams lining up for his services.
The Mets bring back Diaz and it’s a smart first move for the club. With Steve Cohen’s deep pockets, it’ll be interesting how much the Mets will offer deGrom to come back to Citi Field.
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