Mets Likely to Lose Closer Edwin Díaz in Free Agency

The New York Mets face a pivotal offseason decision that could reshape their bullpen for years. Star closer Edwin Díaz, one of baseball’s most dominant relievers, has opted out of the final two years of his contract and is now exploring free agency.

Díaz, at 32, is chasing a big long-term deal—probably his last major payday. He’s said his odds of returning to the Mets are “50-50.”

Several contenders are circling, so the Mets have to decide if they’ll meet his price or turn their attention elsewhere.

Edwin Díaz’s Contract Demands and Market Value

Díaz reportedly wants a five-year, $102 million contract, similar to his record-breaking deal from 2022. He’s famous for his blazing fastball and nasty slider.

Last season, Díaz converted 28 of 31 save opportunities, posted a sharp 1.63 ERA, and struck out 38% of hitters. He’s clearly the top reliever on the market.

Why the Mets May Balk at the Price Tag

Mets president David Stearns has a reputation for discipline in roster building. He’s usually avoided long-term deals for relievers, pointing to the ups and downs of bullpen arms and the risk of paying aging pitchers.

Díaz turns 32 in March, and a five-year deal takes him deep into his mid-30s. That’s the age where most closers start losing velocity and sharpness—nobody wants to see that happen, but it’s a real possibility.

Suitors Lining Up for MLB’s Top Closer

While the Mets mull things over, other teams aren’t waiting around. The Toronto Blue Jays, still stinging from a blown save that cost them the World Series, have already met with Díaz’s reps.

They look ready to make a big offer.

Toronto’s Bullpen Puzzle

If Toronto lands Díaz, current closer Jeff Hoffman likely shifts into a setup role. That would give the Jays a much stronger late-inning plan.

But Toronto might also chase a top starter like Framber Valdez or Dylan Cease, so it’s not clear where Díaz sits on their priority list. It’s an interesting situation to watch play out.

Other Teams in the Mix

Díaz’s market isn’t limited to just Toronto. Reports mention interest from:

• Atlanta Braves – They want to beef up the bullpen for another playoff push.
• New York Yankees – After late-inning struggles, they’re searching for stability.
• Detroit Tigers – Hoping a veteran like Díaz could speed up their rebuild.
• Los Angeles Dodgers – Never shy about adding elite arms.
• San Francisco Giants – They’ve got some high-leverage innings to fill.

Payroll Flexibility Matters

The Dodgers and Yankees have the spending power to match Díaz’s demands. Smaller-market teams like the Tigers would have to think hard about whether that kind of deal makes sense for them.

Internal Mets Dynamics — Stearns vs. Cohen

The Mets’ decision might come down to the push and pull between Stearns’ caution and owner Steve Cohen’s willingness to spend. Cohen really likes Díaz and hasn’t hesitated to open the checkbook for players he wants.

That dynamic could spark some heated debates inside the organization about whether Díaz is worth it.

Other Roster Priorities

Keeping Díaz would make the Mets’ bullpen a lot stronger. But it could also limit what they can do elsewhere.

The team still needs to:

• Strengthen a rotation that struggled in 2023.
• Make a serious offer to keep slugger Pete Alonso.
• Upgrade center field for better defense and lineup balance.

Final Outlook

As the offseason unfolds, Edwin Díaz stands as the centerpiece of the free-agent reliever market.

The Mets have to weigh elite performance against the risks that come with age and the huge price tag.

There’s heavy competition from contenders all over the league. New York’s bullpen—and honestly, their whole roster strategy—might depend on whether Díaz stays in Queens or bolts for somewhere else. Maybe he even ends up across town in the Bronx.

In a winter packed with high-stakes negotiations, Edwin Díaz’s free agency feels like one of the juiciest storylines in baseball. The outcome? It could shake up the 2024 pennant race in a big way.

 
Here is the source article for this story: With Edwin Díaz on the market, a perfect storm is brewing for the Mets to lose him