The New York Mets head into this offseason with one clear priority: rebuilding a playoff-caliber bullpen. Edwin DÃaz is in free agency, and several key relievers have either left or landed on the injured list.
The Mets are scouring the high-end relief market to stabilize the back end of their staff for 2026 and beyond. While they wait on DÃaz’s decision, the front office is already laying groundwork with alternative closers.
Mets’ Offseason Bullpen Plan Centers on Edwin DÃaz
What happens with Edwin DÃaz will shape the rest of the Mets’ bullpen plan. The flamethrower opted out of the final two years of his contract and wants a five-year deal worth about $20 million per year.
That price tag matches his ceiling as one of the game’s most dominant closers when he’s healthy and on his game. For the Mets, this isn’t just about talent—it’s about timing and risk.
DÃaz is nearly 32, and long-term deals for relievers come with plenty of volatility. New York wants him back, but the front office has to weigh the emotional upside and performance boost against the risks of a contract that could run into his mid-30s.
Why DÃaz Still Tops the Priority List
Even with the cost, DÃaz remains the Mets’ top bullpen target. When he’s locked in, he changes the math in every close game and lets the manager script those final six outs with some confidence.
His strikeout stuff, presence in the clubhouse, and history in New York make him more than just another free agent. Still, the Mets have made it clear they won’t sit around forever.
As DÃaz’s camp pushes for that five-year commitment, the front office is talking to alternatives. Sentimentality won’t override the realities of roster construction.
High-End Alternatives: Suarez, Fairbanks, and Williams
While DÃaz gets the headlines, the Mets are quietly building out robust Plan B—and maybe even Plan C. They’ve already started talks with several elite relievers who could close or share closing duties if DÃaz signs elsewhere.
Robert Suarez: Quiet Star With an Elite Track Record
Robert Suarez is one of the Mets’ main targets. The 34-year-old righty just wrapped up two All-Star-caliber seasons with the Padres and posted:
Suarez opted out of a $16 million deal with San Diego, betting his recent run will land him a bigger, longer contract. For the Mets, he’s a proven high-leverage arm with a statistical profile that hints at sustainable success.
Pete Fairbanks: Velocity, Saves, and Closing Experience
The Mets have also checked in with reps for Pete Fairbanks, another hard-thrower with closing experience. He’s been a staple in Tampa Bay’s bullpen and has:
At 31, Fairbanks blends experience with a few prime years left. He misses bats and handles high-pressure spots, making him a legit closer candidate if DÃaz leaves—or a powerful setup man if DÃaz returns.
Devin Williams: Bounce-Back Candidate With Upside
Devin Williams is another name on the Mets’ radar. His 4.79 ERA in 2025 jumps out as a concern, but the Mets see value in his underlying metrics and the late-season rebound that helped him regain trust with the Yankees.
Williams has a history of swing-and-miss stuff and can thrive in tough spots. For a team looking to stack impact arms, he looks like a potential bounce-back steal.
Beyond the Headliners: Depth Options in Free Agency
The Mets’ bullpen needs go beyond just one closer. With so much turnover, they’re expected to be aggressive across several tiers of the relief market.
Some other free-agent names they’re watching:
Each of these guys could help the Mets build the layered bullpen that modern contenders need: one dominant closer, a couple trusted setup arms, and a mix of matchup specialists and multi-inning weapons.
Turnover, Injuries, and the Thin 2026 Relief Core
The urgency in Queens isn’t just about DÃaz hitting free agency. The Mets are staring at a bullpen that’s been gutted by departures and injuries.
Here’s what they’ve lost so far:
Looking ahead to 2026, only a small core remains:
There are a few internal candidates like Huascar Brazobán and Richard Lovelady who could carve out roles, but nothing’s certain. Right now, the Mets just don’t have the layered depth that a contending team needs over a 162-game grind—and maybe a playoff run, if things break right.
David Stearns’ Blueprint: Multiple Additions, Not Just One Star
Mets GM David Stearns hasn’t minced words about the bullpen. He knows it needs a real overhaul, not just a quick fix.
He’s said the team will chase multiple additions throughout the offseason to shore up the relief corps.
That probably means:
The modern game chews through bullpens with injuries and cold streaks. Stearns seems dead set on building a group that can actually handle that grind—a deep, tough crew, not just one guy holding it all together.
Here is the source article for this story: Mets looking into high-end bullpen solutions
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