The Mets prolonged a qualifying provide to nearer Edwin Diaz on Thursday afternoon, the deadline for groups to qualify eligible free brokers. The qualifying provide this season is $22.05 million.
The correct-hander is anticipated to reject the provide to check the free agent waters. Final week, Diaz opted out of the ultimate two years of his contract for almost $33 million. This wasn’t an surprising choice, and the 31-year-old has already mentioned he want to return to the Mets.
Diaz signed a five-year, $102 million contract after the 2022 season. He missed the 2023 season after struggling a knee damage in the course of the World Baseball Traditional in March of the identical yr, however returned in 2024 to put up a 3.52 ERA with 20 saves in 54 appearances.In 2025, he was elite as soon as once more. Diaz posted a stifling 1.63 ERA, ending with a sub-2.00 ERA for the fourth time in his profession. He transformed 28 saves and was named an All-Star for the third time, his second time with the Mets. Regardless of some early bumps within the season, Diaz diminished his stroll charge and residential run charge, ending the season with a 248 ERA+, the second-best of his profession.
Hitters had a .133 common on his four-seam fastball, which stays a lethal providing. They hit .179 off of his slider and slugged .269, whiffing on the pitch 44% of the time. From April 26-June 1, Diaz didn’t permit an earned run, a span of 13 video games. After permitting one June 2 at Dodger Stadium, he then began one other streak of 19 video games with out an earned run (one unearned allowed), hanging out 28 of the 76 batters he confronted and strolling solely six in 19 1/3 innings.
Since being traded to the Mets from the Seattle Mariners forward of the 2019 season, Diaz owns a 2.93 general ERA and 144 saves, the third-most in crew historical past.
Final season, Diaz was paid greater than $21 million and can be capable of earn extra in free company, whether or not that’s from the Mets or one other crew.
Gamers can solely obtain a qualifying provide as soon as. Diaz was one in every of 13 gamers who have been issued one. If the Mets fail to re-sign him, the crew that does should forfeit a draft decide.
