With the end of the 2025 MLB season, the New York Mets face a tough outlook in free agency. While many eyes are on names such as Pete Alonso, one of the organization’s most popular players, another free agent could represent an even more significant loss: Edwin Diaz, their star closer.
The 31-year-old has a player option in his five-year, $102 million contract that allows him to opt out of the deal and seek a better deal in free agency. And with a 1.63 ERA and 28 saves season, there is no doubt in New York that there will be multiple teams willing to offer him more money and guaranteed years.
Who could replace Edwin Diaz? Limited options for the Mets
According to reports from the New York Post, the alternatives to replace Diaz are not encouraging. If the Puerto Rican does not renew, the Mets could be forced to turn to names such as Nick Martinez, Robert Suarez, Raisel Iglesias, Andrew Kittredge or Kyle Finnegan, all of whom are experienced veterans, but none with the dominant level or youth of Edwin Diaz.
Internally, the outlook is not much better. The Mets do not seem interested in renewing Ryan Helsley, whose performance has raised doubts since his arrival. Some voices have suggested converting young prospects such as Jonah Tong or Brandon Sproat into closers, but both lack Major League experience and it would represent a high risk for a team seeking stability.
Edwin Diaz’s value to the Mets beyond the mound
Beyond his statistics, Edwin Diaz has become a symbol since his arrival in 2019. His presence not only guarantees safer game endings, but also offers leadership, energy and a special connection with the fans at Citi Field. Letting him go would weaken the rotation and send a contradictory message to a team that did not reach the postseason and is now looking to build a team that will seriously compete in the next campaign.
On the contrary, teams with similar needs and space on their payroll, such as the Atlanta Braves, could aggressively go after him, which would make his departure even more painful by reinforcing a direct rival in the National League East. With the elite closer market more limited than ever, letting the team’s best arm go would be a step backwards in any attempt to remain competitive heading into 2026.
Read the full article here
