On Tuesday, the New York Mets‘ fears were realized when they saw closer Edwin Diaz depart in MLB free agency. Following the news, a pair of intriguing rumors have emerged, including who they are now targeting to replace him.
Entering the offseason, the Mets had several goals. One of them was trying to bring back All-Star closer Edwin Diaz. Heading into the week, reports suggested the two sides were still far apart on a new deal. New York wanted to ink him to a three-year pact, while he wanted another five-year contract.
Well, today he changed his mind and signed a new three-year agreement. However, it was not with the Mets, and instead, he is taking his talents to Los Angeles to be the new Dodgers closer. The deal is reportedly worth $69 million.
Following the news, New York Post MLB insider Mike Puma revealed what the Mets offered, and it was just three million a year less than LA. Their offer was reportedly for three years at $66 million. It is unclear if New York got a chance to match the Dodgers’ offer, but losing their star closer for a total of $9 million will be a tough pill for Mets fans to swallow.
New York Mets are now pursuing Robert Suarez
The Mets knew they might get outbid for Diaz this offseason. That is why they took the bold step of signing a potential replacement recently when they gave two-time All-Star Devin Williams a three-year deal worth $51 million.
So, they do have a closer for next season and can focus on rounding out the rest of the bullpen this offseason. However, according to Jon Morosi, after losing Diaz to LA, the club has made a pivot and are now one of two “top suitors” for two-time All-Star closer Robert Suarez. The other team involved in the chase is the Toronto Blue Jays.
While Diaz is probably a better closer, Suarez has been very good in his first four seasons in the league, including posting sub-3.00 ERA seasons in three of those years. He will also come at a lower rate than Diaz did.
