The New York Mets are once again in the spotlight as Major League Baseball’s offseason begins, and all signs indicate that they plan to be major players in the free-agent market. Following a frustrating and disappointing end to the 2025 regular season—one that saw them narrowly miss the playoffs—the Mets find themselves in a familiar yet challenging position. Their star-studded roster has undeniable talent, but key pieces could soon depart if the front office doesn’t act decisively. As the team looks to reload and contend in 2026, one of the top priorities will be retaining its core players who have decided to test the open market.
Among the most notable names on the Mets’ free-agent list are first baseman Pete Alonso and star closer Edwin Díaz, both of whom exercised opt-out clauses in their contracts to explore free agency. Their decisions have sent ripples throughout the baseball world and raised pressing questions about the Mets’ willingness to spend big to keep their cornerstone players.
For Díaz, his opt-out decision might seem risky on the surface, but there’s logic behind it. He had two years and $38 million remaining on his deal, yet his stellar performance during the 2025 campaign has positioned him for an even larger payday. Contract projections suggest that Díaz could command an average annual value (AAV) close to $20 million per season, a figure that reflects his elite production and the ever-increasing value of dominant relief pitching in today’s game.
A recent analysis from MLB insiders offered insight into the Mets’ dilemma:
“The Mets pounced to proactively re-sign Díaz before he could truly even test his market last time. That deal was under former GM Billy Eppler. Will new president of baseball operations, David Stearns, make a similarly aggressive strike? It’s hard to see, but it’s always possible owner Steve Cohen could take matters into his own hands and retain his superstar stopper.”
This observation highlights the shift in the Mets’ leadership dynamic. Under Billy Eppler, the team acted quickly to secure Díaz in what was then viewed as a bold, preemptive move. Now, with David Stearns at the helm and a full offseason ahead of him, the question becomes whether the organization will once again move swiftly to keep one of baseball’s best closers—or risk losing him to another contender.
Díaz’s case for a lucrative contract is almost undeniable. In 66.1 innings, he was nearly unhittable, posting a 1.63 ERA with 28 saves while maintaining elite strikeout numbers and a microscopic WHIP. His dominance in tight, one-run games provided a lifeline to a Mets team that often struggled offensively. Beyond the numbers, Díaz brings an energy and charisma that few relievers in baseball possess. His now-iconic entrance to the field—set to the blaring sounds of “Narco” by Blasterjaxx and Timmy Trumpet—has become one of the most thrilling moments in baseball and a fan favorite at Citi Field.
For many Mets fans, the thought of seeing Díaz leave Queens is almost unthinkable. His fiery competitiveness, consistency, and showmanship have made him one of the most beloved figures on the team. As such, re-signing Edwin Díaz must be an organizational priority. The Mets are believed to be the frontrunners to retain him, and given owner Steve Cohen’s reputation for aggressive spending, there’s every reason to believe the club will open its checkbook once again. Cohen has made it clear since taking ownership that money will not be an obstacle when it comes to building a winning team—and securing Díaz’s services would be another statement of that philosophy.
Over his tenure with the Mets, Díaz has recorded 144 saves, solidifying his place among the franchise’s all-time great closers. His combination of a blazing fastball and devastating slider continues to make him one of the most intimidating pitchers in the game. The front office must now determine how much value they place on having that kind of weapon in the bullpen—especially in an era when late-inning reliability can be the difference between playoff success and heartbreak.
However, if the Mets show even a hint of hesitation, several other teams are likely to pounce. Elite bullpen arms are always in high demand, and Díaz would instantly become the most coveted reliever on the open market. High-spending clubs such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees are all in the market for late-inning relief help. Each of these organizations has the financial means and competitive drive to make a serious run at Díaz. The Dodgers, for example, have never shied away from spending to strengthen their bullpen, while the Yankees could see the opportunity to add a proven closer as an ideal fit alongside their powerhouse lineup.
The risk for the Mets is that if they delay negotiations or attempt to lowball Díaz, he could be swayed by a more lucrative offer elsewhere. Given his track record and consistency, he would likely receive multi-year offers from several teams, potentially driving his total contract value north of $80 million—a significant but justifiable sum for a pitcher of his caliber.
To fully appreciate what Díaz brings to the table, it’s worth revisiting his earlier success with the Seattle Mariners. In 2018, he put together one of the most dominant relief seasons in MLB history. Over 73 appearances, Díaz recorded a mind-blowing 57 saves—the second-most in a single season in modern MLB history—while maintaining a 1.96 ERA and striking out 124 batters in just 73.1 innings. That campaign not only established him as a premier closer but also earned him recognition across the league as a generational bullpen talent.
When the Mets traded for Díaz ahead of the 2019 season, expectations were sky-high. Though his first year in New York was rocky, he bounced back in subsequent seasons and gradually re-established himself as one of the most dominant closers in the sport. His resilience and mental toughness have been defining traits throughout his career.
In recent years, several teams have shown that investing heavily in top-tier relievers can pay massive dividends. Clubs like the Yankees (with Aroldis Chapman), the Brewers (with Josh Hader), and the Padres (who have also splurged on relief help) have all demonstrated a willingness to allocate substantial payroll space to build elite bullpens. Given how many games are decided by narrow margins, especially in the postseason, teams are increasingly realizing that having a lockdown closer is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
For the Mets, keeping Díaz would not only preserve their bullpen stability but also send a message to fans and the rest of the league that they intend to compete at the highest level. With a core that includes Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and potentially Pete Alonso if he re-signs, this team remains capable of making a deep postseason run. However, losing Díaz could significantly weaken their late-game strategy and create uncertainty in an area where consistency has been crucial.
Owner Steve Cohen has often spoken about his desire to bring sustained success—and ultimately a World Series title—to Queens. Re-signing Díaz fits perfectly into that vision. While the price tag might be steep, it would be a worthwhile investment in both performance and fan engagement. After all, few players embody the spirit and excitement of modern Mets baseball quite like Edwin Díaz.
It’s also worth noting that Díaz’s durability and consistency make him an unusually safe bet for a long-term deal compared to most relievers. His mechanics, conditioning, and ability to adapt have helped him maintain his dominance year after year. He’s been remarkably effective in high-pressure situations, and his advanced metrics—such as strikeout rate, opponent batting average, and hard-hit percentage—place him among the elite in every key category.
From a broader perspective, Díaz’s free agency represents more than just a financial decision for the Mets—it’s a cultural one. His presence in the bullpen has become synonymous with the team’s identity. The roar of the crowd, the blare of the trumpets, and the electric anticipation of another Díaz save have all become defining features of the Mets’ home-game experience. Letting that go would not only leave a hole in their roster but also diminish a part of what makes Mets baseball so thrilling.
The offseason will undoubtedly bring plenty of speculation about where Díaz will land, but as things stand, the Mets appear to be in the driver’s seat. They have the financial muscle, the fan support, and the motivation to keep one of their most important players. What remains to be seen is whether David Stearns and the front office will act with the urgency that this moment demands.
If the Mets can lock down Díaz early in the offseason, it will set the tone for the rest of their free-agent moves and could even help persuade Pete Alonso to stay. Stability and ambition often go hand in hand, and re-signing Díaz would signal both.
In the end, the Mets’ offseason success may hinge on their ability to keep their bullpen anchor right where he belongs—in Queens, closing out games to the sound of trumpets. For a franchise that’s endured its fair share of heartbreak and near misses, ensuring that Edwin Díaz remains a Met should be nothing short of a top priority.
