The offseason is here following arguably the greatest World Series MLB fans have ever seen. With free agency underway, the twists and turns are in full swing. Many top players are expected to sign soon, and for Edwin Díaz, the focus is on securing a strong contract.
“Per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, Díaz is seeking a contract that is "essentially the same one" he signed with the New York Mets after the 2022 season. The previous contract Díaz signed was worth $102 million over five years. He became the first reliever to get a deal worth at least $100 million, surpassing the previous high mark of $86 million over five years Aroldis Chapman got from the New York Yankees in December 2016,” Bleacher Report’s Adam Wells wrote.
Díaz has not ruled out a return to the Mets, even after opting out of his contract.
“Díaz, who opted out of his contract earlier this month to become a free agent once again, said Thursday at the MLB Awards presented by MGM Rewards in Las Vegas that his representatives have had discussions with the Mets about a new contract. However, he put his chances of returning to Queens at 50-50,” MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan wrote.
CBS Sports’ Matt Snyder believes the Toronto Blue Jays are in play for Díaz.
“Díaz, 31, can be hit or miss, but, generally speaking, that's just the volatility of relievers. Overall, he's great. Last season in 62 appearances with the Mets, he saved 28 games in 31 chances with a 1.63 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 98 strikeouts in 66 ⅓ innings. He's the best reliever on the market this offseason,” Snyder wrote.
The Blue Jays will need to bolster their bullpen. While the starting rotation remains solid, the bullpen has a few weak spots.
Adding a power arm like Díaz would address that immediately. With the championship window open now, the Blue Jays are clearly looking to strengthen their roster and capitalize while they can.
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