Edwin Diaz’s first season with the New York Mets was marked by disaster. He could not find any consistent success after April and eventually lost his job to Seth Lugo. Diaz once was the prize piece of the Mets offseason and now has to earn his job back during Spring Training.
Edwin Diaz recruited the help of @45PedroMartinez to get ready for the 2020 season:
"I'm really excited, 100% excited, I put a lot of work in on me" pic.twitter.com/2Vnp4afdv7
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 5, 2020
Diaz spent the entire offseason working to regain the talent which landed the Seattle Mariners Jared Kelenic in exchange for their stud closer. His major issue was the increased home run rate which shot through the roof. Diaz allowed 2.3 HR/9 and blew seven saves in 33 opportunities.
Trust in Diaz
2019 was a huge adjustment year for Diaz in his first year in New York. His stuff did not diminish as his K/9 of 15.4 was the highest of his career and his BB/9 was only 0.4 higher than his career average. Diaz lost his control in the strike zone. His fastball often remained down the middle and his wipeout slider had little consistency.
Probably the most impressive inning I’ve ever seen from a Mets reliever. He made 3 above-average/all-star hitters look like little leaguers.
Really hope we can see more of this Edwin Diaz in 2020…pic.twitter.com/t4jS1FIy1k
— Jordan ? (@metsfansince02) December 7, 2019
Despite all of his struggles he still ranked as a top-10 reliever in baseball. Diaz’s home run rate should regress and his work with Pedro Martinez is very promising. Heading into his age-26 season, his fastball velocity and slider movement should remain the same. It will be a matter of proving his ability to regain command of his slider and keep his fastball out of the middle of the plate. In the end, the job will be his to lose in Spring Training.