Everything was going well in the negotiations between Edwin Diaz and the Mets for him to play next season with the team. At the last minute, the situation has changed drastically. What seemed to be a sure deal is now in jeopardy. Given the situation, the organization is already considering a plan B to replace its pitcher.
Diaz took a step back in the talks because he did not accept the contract conditions he was offered. He rejected the qualifying offer and keeps the door open for the market this offseason. There are two teams very interested in him: New York Yankees and Texas Rangers.
Restructuring the roster for next season has the Mets in anguish. It was assumed that they would reach an agreement with Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz to have them on board. The offers made to each of them did not come to fruition and now they must look for elements in their positions that fit the investment checkbook.
The Mets’ plan B
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the team is officially interested in pitcher Devin Williams. With this news going public, meetings between the Mets and Diaz become complicated. On the one hand, the organization will sit down to negotiate with the Yankees reliever. On the other hand, Edwin will enter into dialogue with the Bronx Bombers to hear their offer.
Williams posted a 4.79 ERA with the Yankees in the 2025 season. In addition to his style of play, the Mets are attracted by his numbers: two All-Star appearances with Milwaukee and 68 saves in 78 opportunities over six seasons.
Williams has suitors from coast to coast, although the Mets are considering signing both Diaz and Williams to headline a bullpen that needs a complete overhaul
Edwin Diaz, the Rangers and $100 million
The pitcher is willing to sit down at the table again with the Mets only if they raise the amount of the last offer and it is adjusted to what a professional of his experience deserves to receive, both economically and in terms of competitiveness with the team. If that does not happen, he will continue to listen to proposals and not only that of the Yankees.
After opting out of his two-year, $37 million contract, generating real interest from several contenders, the Rangers are moving their pieces to bolster their bullpen with him. They want a closer of his caliber. There’s just one problem: Diaz is priced at $100 million. It’s an amount that contrasts with Texas’ payroll, so it would be very difficult to sign him.
I like the organization (the Mets). If they came with the best offer for me, I would enjoy staying with them, but at the end of the day, I don’t know what they are thinking
The Yankees have the upper hand, but Diaz does not rule out the Rangers, whom he would listen to before considering a reunion with the Mets again.
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