The thought of Edwin Díaz closing games in Yankee Stadium instead of Citi Field might make Mets fans uneasy, but the possibility is becoming increasingly real.
The flame-throwing right-hander, who has anchored the Mets‘ bullpen for years, could soon become one of the most coveted names on the free-agent market, and one of the Yankees‘ most intriguing potential targets.
Díaz just wrapped up a remarkable 2025 campaign, one that firmly reestablished him among baseball’s elite closers. He posted a dazzling 1.63 ERA and struck out 98 batters in just 66.1 innings, showing a return to dominance after an uneven comeback from his 2024 knee injury.
That kind of performance not only erased doubts about his durability but also reignited talk about his long-term future in New York.
Currently, Díaz is signed through the 2026 season as part of his five-year, $102 million contract. However, he has an opt-out clause after 2025, which would allow him to walk away from the remaining two years and $37 million on his deal.
For a 31-year-old closer pitching at the height of his powers, the timing couldn’t be better. He could test the market for a record-setting reliever contract – something that might make even deep-pocketed teams pause.
A crosstown rival eyes reinforcements
The Yankees are seen as one of the most logical fits should Díaz decide to opt out, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The Bronx Bombers, already known for aggressively building power bullpens, are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
Despite last year’s trades for Camilo Doval, Devin Williams, and David Bednar, only Bednar remains under team control beyond 2026.
Adding Díaz would not only bolster their late-inning firepower but also deliver a symbolic win in New York’s ongoing baseball rivalry.
From the Yankees‘ perspective, signing Díaz would fit their long-standing blueprint: collect elite arms and shorten games.
The front office has never been shy about spending on pitching depth, and Díaz’s track record, highlighted by a lethal fastball, improved command, and a reduced home-run rate, makes him an ideal candidate to stabilize the back end of their bullpen.
Meanwhile, the Mets face a complex decision. Retaining Díaz would almost certainly require an even larger financial commitment, potentially setting a new high-water mark for relievers.
Letting him test free agency risks losing a clubhouse cornerstone who has not only produced consistently but also become a fan favorite since arriving in Queens in 2019.
The broader market complicates matters further. Several contenders, including the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers, are expected to be active in pursuit of bullpen help.
Díaz‘s elite strikeout rate and proven ability to perform in New York’s high-pressure environment will make him a top target.
Whether Díaz ultimately stays in Queens or trades orange and blue for Yankee pinstripes, one thing is clear: his next contract could redefine how teams value dominant closers – and reshape the balance of power in New York baseball.
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