Blue Jays predicted to sign $102M power arm with 253 saves after Jeff Hoffman's World Series gaffe

Hunter Cookston

•
Blue Jays predicted to sign $102M power arm with 253 saves after Jeff Hoffman's World Series gaffe image

The New York Mets were the best team in baseball for the first two months, but the problem is that baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. After the hot start, the Mets quickly became one of the slumping teams, falling out of playoff contention despite being one of the best in the MLB.

“The New York Mets, losers of six straight, are down 6-0 and facing Jacob deGrom. Since starting 45-24 and owning the best record in MLB, the Mets are 31-47, better than only the Rockies, Twins and Nationals. This isn't a collapse. It's a disintegration,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan posted.

The Mets are set for a big offseason this winter, especially after losing Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz. The closer is one of the best in the game, and there may be some trouble getting him back.

“Mets closer Edwin Díaz has opted out of the final two years and $38 million guaranteed on his contract, the club announced Tuesday, making Díaz a free agent for the first time in his career,” MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo wrote.

FanSided’s Christopher Kline believes the Toronto Blue Jays are poised to make a major push for Díaz.

“The Toronto Blue Jays have already proved their willingness to spend big in order to augment last season's World Series roster, handing Dylan Cease a seven-year, $210 million contract. Whether or not that limits their spending elsewhere remains to be seen. The Blue Jays are still heavily linked to both Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz, which means Ross Atkins could be in for an all-time offseason north of the border. Jeff Hoffman was serviceable in the closing gig last season, but after blowing a save in Game 7 against the Dodgers, there is elevated pressure to find a more stable ninth-inning option. Díaz would surely relish the opportunity to join one of MLB's most complete rosters,” Kline wrote.

The Blue Jays know they have what it takes to get back to the World Series, so it makes sense for them to keep stacking talent. Díaz’s combination of fastball and slider adds depth and strength to the bullpen.

Toronto is hungry for a World Series title, and Díaz could significantly boost those chances. The Blue Jays are already contenders in the AL, but adding Díaz could make them the clear favorite.

More MLB news:

Contributing writer

Staff Writer