While Pete Alonso understandably headlines the Mets’ offseason conversation, there’s another major name worth keeping a close eye on: Edwin Díaz. The All-Star closer holds an opt-out clause after the 2025 season – a decision that could ultimately reshape the entire complexion of the Mets’ bullpen.

Here’s the situation: Díaz has two years and $38 million remaining on his record-setting five-year, $102 million deal. He signed that contract following a historic 2022 season – remember, that was the year he mowed down more than half the batters he faced with an electric mix of high-octane fastballs and wipeout sliders.

Even by closer standards, that version of Díaz was something out of a video game. And while he hasn’t reproduced those same jaw-dropping numbers, he’s remained highly effective.

Case in point: as of this season, Díaz holds a 1.60 ERA with 23 saves and 67 strikeouts over 45 games. Let’s be real – those numbers are elite.

Without him, the Mets’ bullpen situation would be in a far more precarious state. In a year where reliable relief arms have come at a premium, Díaz has continued to deliver high-leverage outs in one of baseball’s most pressure-packed markets.

Still, here’s where things get interesting. Opting out of $38 million across two years isn’t a slam dunk.

That’s a considerable payday, even in a shifting financial climate for relievers. Teams are more cautious than ever about handing out big-money deals to bullpen arms, especially given how volatile reliever performance can be.

But Díaz isn’t just any reliever. He’s been dominant for a decade.

More importantly, he’s shown he can thrive in New York – no small feat after a rocky start with the team.

Edwin Diaz is the most talented reliever this franchise has ever had pic.twitter.com/pWGFcxhfhs

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And let’s not overlook the Mets’ current bullpen landscape. Trade deadline pickups like Ryan Helsley and Tyler Rogers were short-term rentals. Outside of Díaz, there’s not exactly a stable of late-inning solutions in place heading into the next couple of seasons.

That makes Díaz a central figure in whatever bullpen plans the front office is drawing up. It’s hard to imagine the Mets willingly letting him leave – especially under Steve Cohen’s ownership, where financial flexibility is rarely the issue. If the Mets want to keep Díaz in Flushing beyond 2025, they have plenty of ways to make that happen.

One scenario that feels very much in play? Díaz and his camp using the opt-out as leverage to secure an extension before he ever hits the open market – something he’s done before. For context, he negotiated his current deal during baseball’s exclusive five-day window before free agency even began – a rarity for a player of his caliber.

Predicting player option decisions for Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman and more ahead of 2025-2026 MLB offseason https://t.co/p6ifmtS2qp

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His contract also includes a $17.25 million club option for 2028, so an extension could potentially guarantee that year and tack on extra security beyond it. A structured deal could pay him well north of $55 million through 2028, with incentives or club options sweetening the pot even further.

Of course, it’s all hypothetical right now – Díaz hasn’t announced anything publicly. But the idea of him staying in Queens long-term makes a lot of sense both for him and the organization. He’s proven, he’s consistent, and he’s a fan favorite who’s come into his own in one of baseball’s toughest markets.

So while Mets fans might flinch at the mention of an opt-out, there’s plenty of reason to believe this isn’t the beginning of a goodbye. Díaz remaining in blue and orange – backed by Cohen’s deep pockets and a mutual desire to keep building – looks like a very realistic outcome.