Three potential landing spots for Edwin Diaz

Edwin Diaz already holds the report for the most important contract given to a reliever. He might set a brand new report this offseason.

Diaz had signed a five-year, $102M contract, with an opt-out clause after three years, in the course of the 2022-23 offseason to return to the New York Mets. The contract had an inauspicious begin as Diaz tore the patellar tendon in his proper knee in the course of the World Baseball Basic, costing him the season. After an honest 2024 efficiency, Diaz was again with a vengeance in 2025, posting a 1.63 ERA and a 0.874 WHiP over 66.1 innings, notching 28 saves whereas placing out 98 batters with 21 walks. His determination to walk away from the ultimate two years and $38M was a straightforward one, as was his determination to say no the qualifying supply.

Diaz might have already got his subsequent contract in thoughts. In keeping with Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, Diaz is in search of nearly the identical contract he obtained from the Mets forward of the 2022 season. Contemplating how dominant Diaz was in 2025, and his general observe report, he might get that deal.

Diaz has turn into a free agent for the primary time in his profession. Let’s take a look at three potential touchdown spots.

Three potential touchdown spots for Edwin Diaz in free company

1. New York Mets

The Mets had loads of blame to go round for his or her second-half collapse in 2025 and the bullpen was not immune. Mets relievers posted a middling 4.08 ERA and a 1.279 WHiP over 265 innings, the third-most innings of any bullpen after the All-Star Break. Diaz, nevertheless, was a part of the answer, posting a 1.59 ERA and a 0.882 WHiP over 28.1 innings within the second half as he did his half to push the Mets to the playoffs.

It’s truthful to surprise if president of baseball operations David Stearns would need to make that kind of dedication to a better. Nevertheless, the Mets bullpen is in a state of flux with 10 relievers entering free agency. Diaz has confirmed he can deal with closing in New York and is among the finest relievers in baseball. Whereas any pitcher is a bet on a long-term deal, retaining Diaz will be the Mets most suitable choice as they give the impression of being to retool the bullpen.

2. Toronto Blue Jays

Nearer Jeff Hoffman looked like a bargain by way of April, permitting simply two runs on eight hits and a stroll over 15.1 innings, placing out 22 batters whereas recording six saves. He struggled afterward, posting a 5.30 ERA and a 1.367 WHiP over his final 52.2 innings. Hoffman was strong within the postseason but in addition gave up the game-tying house run to infielder Miguel Rojas within the ninth inning of Sport Seven of the World Sequence.

Hoffman has confirmed to be a superb setup man however might not be the best choice for the ninth inning. Including Diaz would give the Blue Jays a dominant again of the bullpen. Likewise, it will underscore that the Blue Jays have turn into a vacation spot workforce, a spot free brokers need to go to. That alone could possibly be definitely worth the value of Diaz’s subsequent contract.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers

Regardless of all of the star energy in Los Angeles, the again of the Dodgers bullpen was a weak level in 2025. Roki Sasaki, who struggled over eight main league begins earlier than lacking many of the season on account of harm, emerged because the Dodgers’ most trusted reliever. Sasaki, nevertheless, is expected to return to the rotation in 2026.

The Dodgers have the makings of a strong bullpen. Tanner Scott and Blake Treinen have been glorious relievers over their careers. Nevertheless, the Dodgers want a confirmed nearer. Diaz could possibly be the ultimate piece to show the back-to-back World Sequence champions into a real pressure on the diamond.