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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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Filling the closer void this offseason isn't optional for the New York Mets; it's mandatory if the team wants to avoid being embarrassed once again by not making the playoffs. David Stearns and the Mets know how important a strong bullpen will be especially since the National League East division is expected to be much more competitive next season.
The best closer on the market right now is Edwin Diaz, the former Met, and it's clear both sides reportedly want to reach an agreement. However, Diaz isn't going to sign for less than what he believes he is worth which is $100 million. That could complicate things for New York, but MLB insider Jon Heyman believes time is of the essence for the Mets to get a deal done.
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"Edwin Diaz and the Mets should figure it out, for both their sakes," Heyman reported for the New York Post. "Diaz gave a return to Queens a '50-50' chance at the All-MLB awards, and that estimate probably was more the reality of free agency than a tribute to Las Vegas, cite of the honors — although there are no guarantees in either. ... Diaz inexplicably joined Andres Munoz on the all-MLB second team behind first-team choices Aroldis Chapman and Jhoan Duran, but he's unquestionably the top closer in a strong market and should have great options beyond the Mets, who are especially relief needy."
The value Diaz provides the Mets is very obvious as he's recorded 20-or-more saves in his last four seasons with the team and five of his six total years in the organization. Outside of 2019, which was an abnormal year for him, his ERA has never been above 3.52 with New York as it has been 1.75 or less in three of the six years.
Heyman is spot on with his thoughts on the situation. The longer Stearns and company sit back and take things slow, the more likely it is Diaz gets signed by someone else. Raisel Iglesias is already off the board after returning to the Atlanta Braves, so the early pieces are falling into place in the reliever market.
If the Mets want to win as much as they say they do, Diaz should be signed before Thanksgiving.
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