Mets Face Tough Decisions on Edwin Diaz Amid Key Offseason

The 2025 season was a letdown for the New York Mets, as the team failed to make the playoffs despite major offseason investments, including a record-breaking contract for Juan Soto. With the future of the franchise at stake, the Mets are facing significant decisions regarding their roster and potential roster changes. Among the key issues is the future of Edwin Diaz, who has opted out of the remaining two years of his contract after another stellar season. With Diaz now poised to explore free agency, the Mets have a crucial choice: extend him or look elsewhere for improvements.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, known for his disciplined approach, will likely weigh the cost of retaining Diaz against the team’s broader needs. While Diaz remains one of the top closers in the league, the Mets must consider their existing payroll commitments, some of which did not yield the expected returns in 2025. In a market rich with top-tier relievers, the Mets could find themselves in a situation where they must prioritize other areas of the roster.

Reports from The Athletic highlight the team’s dilemma: Diaz is reportedly seeking a contract similar to the five-year, $102 million deal he signed previously. However, with the Mets already locked into long-term contracts and a potentially crowded bullpen market, retaining Diaz at his asking price may not be as straightforward as it seems. As the offseason progresses, the Mets will need to balance their financial commitments with the desire to stay competitive in the years ahead.

Despite these challenges, Mets fans are hopeful that the team can rebound in 2026. With the right moves, particularly in the bullpen and other key positions, the Mets could once again be contenders in the National League. However, the decision on Diaz could be a pivotal moment in shaping the team’s future direction.

1. The Pressure of a Disappointing 2025 Season

The Mets’ failure to reach the playoffs in 2025 came as a surprise, especially after their aggressive spending in the offseason. The signing of Juan Soto was supposed to be a game-changer, but the team’s overall performance fell short. As a result, the Mets face increased pressure to make bold decisions this offseason to avoid another year of underperformance. After a promising 2024 season, in which the Mets made a playoff appearance, expectations were sky-high for the 2025 roster. However, despite spending big money to acquire talent like Soto, the team finished outside of postseason contention. Several high-profile acquisitions failed to meet expectations, and key injuries further compounded the team’s struggles. These setbacks left the Mets with a significant amount of payroll already committed to underperforming players, which will make it more difficult to fill other roster needs moving forward. With the team’s financial flexibility limited, the Mets are now faced with a difficult task. They must determine how best to allocate their resources this offseason to maximize the roster’s potential. Given their previous spending and the disappointing returns, the Mets cannot afford another lackluster performance in 2026. This puts increased pressure on management to make the right decisions and address key areas of weakness while also potentially retaining key players like Diaz. This pressure creates a sense of urgency for the front office, led by David Stearns, to evaluate whether the core of the 2025 roster can still be competitive or if a deeper overhaul is necessary. As they weigh their options, the Mets will need to balance short-term and long-term goals, all while staying within their financial constraints. How they address these challenges could define their trajectory for years to come.

2. Edwin Diaz’s Market Value

Diaz is one of the best closers in baseball, and his performance in 2025 solidified his status as a top-tier free agent. Reports indicate that he is looking for a deal that mirrors his previous contract, which would be a significant commitment for the Mets. The team must weigh whether it is worth paying Diaz market value or if they should allocate funds elsewhere. Edwin Diaz’s dominance in 2025 further solidified his value as one of the top closers in Major League Baseball. His fastball velocity remains among the highest in the league, and he has continued to deliver in high-pressure situations. His strikeout rate and overall performance make him an extremely attractive option on the open market, which is why he has opted out of his remaining contract with the Mets. However, his asking price, which is reported to be similar to his previous $102 million deal, could present a challenge for a Mets team already stretched thin financially. The market for late-inning relievers in free agency is especially deep this year, with top names like Devin Williams, Robert Suarez, and Raisel Iglesias potentially available. This could work in the Mets’ favor if they decide not to re-sign Diaz, as they may be able to find similar production at a lower cost. However, the risk of letting Diaz walk and potentially struggling to replace his value in the bullpen is a real concern for a team that already has bullpen depth issues. While the Mets could explore cheaper alternatives, Diaz’s elite performance could make it difficult to replace him directly. The team could be forced to spread their financial resources across several areas of need, but finding a proven closer with Diaz’s capabilities may be a challenge. As the offseason progresses, the Mets will need to carefully assess how best to manage their payroll and determine if paying Diaz his market value is the most prudent move.

3. David Stearns’ Calculated Approach

David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, is known for his pragmatic and disciplined approach to roster management. He will likely assess the value of retaining Diaz against the broader context of the team’s needs. Stearns has previously demonstrated an ability to make tough decisions, and this offseason could be no different. Stearns, who was hired to lead the Mets’ baseball operations in 2024, is widely regarded for his ability to make calculated decisions based on both analytics and the broader financial landscape. His experience in managing a roster under financial constraints will be crucial in navigating this offseason. While Diaz is undoubtedly a valuable player, Stearns will likely weigh the costs of keeping him against the needs for improvement in other areas, including the starting rotation and position players. The Mets have already committed significant funds to several players, and those investments will factor heavily into Stearns’ decision-making process. Given the team’s needs in other areas, it’s possible that Stearns could look to reinforce other positions rather than prioritize a high-cost deal for a closer. This might involve finding lower-cost options in free agency or exploring trades to fill those gaps without overcommitting financially to a single player. Ultimately, Stearns’ disciplined approach could mean that the Mets make a tough but necessary decision about Diaz’s future. While keeping him would strengthen an already solid bullpen, the front office may decide that allocating resources to other parts of the roster is the best way to maximize the team’s potential.