Getty
New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz saved 20 games last season.
The New York Mets are expected to be big players in MLB’s free agency this offseason. After a disappointing end to the 2025 regular season, which resulted in the Mets missing out on the playoffs, New York must retain its stars via free agency.
The two biggest Mets names that are set to hit the market are first baseman Pete Alonso and reliever Edwin Diaz. Both players had opt-out clauses, and both have decided to opt out of their current deal in order to test free agency once again. Diaz has two years, $38 million left on his deal, and a recent contract projection gives reason why he decided to opt out.
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MLBTradeRumors Predicts Edwin Diaz to Sign Four-Year, $82 million
In a recent contract predictions piece by MLBTradeRumors.com, Edwin Diaz is listed as the 13th biggest free agent name, and is predicted to sign a four-year, $82 million deal.
“The Mets pounced to proactively re-sign Diaz before he could truly even test his market last time. That deal was under former GM Billy Eppler. Will new president of baseball operations, David Stearns, make a similarly aggressive strike? It’s hard to see, but it’s always possible owner Steve Cohen could take matters into his own hands and retain his superstar stopper.”
Will the Mets pounce once again to sign their All-Star closer? That remains to be seen, but it’s certainly the right move, and AAV right around $20 million seems fitting for Diaz.
In 66.1 innings, Edwin Diaz posted a 1.63 ERA and recorded 28 saves. He was a savior for this year’s New York Mets team that consistently played in one-run games. He’s also become a fan favorite in Queens for his electric entrance from the bullpen.
GettyNew York Mets closer Edwin Diaz saved 20 games last season.
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Mets Must Re-Sign Edwin Diaz or Else Other Suitors Will
The New York Mets must make it a priority to re-sign Edwin Diaz. They are thought to be the favorite to re-sign him, and Steve Cohen should be more than willing to open up the checkbook for Diaz, who has 144 saves in a Mets uniform.
If the Mets are hesitant to sign Edwin Diaz, other big spenders across MLB will. Every team in baseball needs bullpen help, and the high payroll teams like the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Giants, and Yankees may come with a better offer for Diaz.
Perhaps Diaz’s best season came in 2018 when he was a member of the Seattle Mariners. Diaz recorded 57 saves in 73 appearances and posted a 1.96 ERA in 73.1 innings.
Several MLB teams in recent memory have shown no hesitation when it comes to shelling out big sums of cash for highly productive relievers.
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