While fans are still angry with Steve Cohen for giving his vote of confidence to David Stearns and his offseason recruiting strategy, another issue is hitting the Mets’ environment hard: seeing Edwin Diaz as a member of the Dodgers in the Los Angeles team’s camp.
Neither fans nor managers can get used to the idea that he is no longer in New York and that he is already a player for the two-time MLB champion. In fact, one of those most upset by this situation is the owner of the franchise.
Faced with Cohen’s words, the player responded. Dressed in his new team’s clothing, Diaz was respectful and grateful to the Mets. He did not want to fall into controversy or fuel a possible discord. On the contrary, he was polite and sensible.
I have a lot of respect for the Mets organization, the players, the staff and the front office. They treated me very well. I have nothing bad to say about them. But at the end of the day, I’m here. This is a new path for me and I’m happy to be with the Dodgers, so we’ll see how it goes
What did Steve Cohen say?
Recently, the Mets owner spoke with the team’s broadcaster, Howie Rose. They touched on the subject of Diaz’s departure and Cohen could not help but express himself. He said he was surprised that the player turned down such an attractive contract as the one offered by the franchise.
I did find that decision baffling. I’m not exactly sure how Edwin came to that conclusion. Obviously, it’s a personal decision on his part, and I thought we made a pretty respectable offer.
What was Edwin Diaz’s arrangement with the Dodgers?
The player exercised the opt-out clause in the five-year, $102 million contract he signed with the Mets prior to the 2023 season.
- After that, he turned down the three-year, $66 million offer he was offered in New York to stay with the team.
The Dodgers stepped in to propose three years and $69 million, three million more. That was enough for Diaz to settle with Los Angeles, a team with which he hopes to compete and win a title, which he did not see possible in the New York organization.
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