The first order of business executed by the New York Mets this offseason was the no-brainer decision to re-sign closer, Edwin Diaz.
From the moment the 2022 season concluded, Diaz did make known to reporters publicly that he was hoping the Mets would come to him quickly with a deal. Steve Cohen, Billy Eppler, and company delivered.
The Mets were able to reach with Diaz on a mega five-year contract worth $102 million. The biggest deal in MLB history for a relief pitcher.
And while speaking with the media yesterday, Diaz elaborated on his excitement to remain in Queens.
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Mets Edwin Diaz looking forward to the future:
Diaz was asked about whether or not the Mets were his first priority going into the process of free agency and shared the following.
“You know, for me, it was the number one priority for me and my family, staying in New York because we love the city of New York, we love the team, the organization, they treat us greatly. We feel part of the family. I talked to Billy and Steve after the season, I let them know like ‘I want to stay here, I want to come back.’ And they appreciated that. When the World Series started, we started talking, and we reached a deal really quickly because we know what we want.”
Eppler gave some high praise as he said this about Diaz, “he reflects who we want to be,” highlighting the elite closer’s professionalism.
Diaz expressed that he feels “really happy and really blessed” to sign such a lucrative deal and be back with the Mets.
Diaz also shared optimism that Eppler will build the Mets a strong bullpen in front of him this offseason. He stated, “I know all the free agents, but Billy will do his best to get a great bullpen, like we had last season, I can’t wait to see what they do.”
The closer is coming off of a special year in 2022 in which he posted a ridiculous 1.31 ERA and had 32 saves.
It is certainly great to have Diaz back with the Mets and awesome to hear his excitement level to remain with the team for many more years to come.