Yankees predicted to sign $102M elite closer, 3-time Reliever of the Year, 3-time All-Star

Hunter Cookston

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Yankees predicted to sign $102M elite closer, 3-time Reliever of the Year, 3-time All-Star image

The offseason is here following arguably the greatest World Series MLB fans have ever seen. It was incredible baseball to watch, but now all eyes turn to free agency. Many of the top names are expected to sign soon, and for Edwin Díaz, it’s about 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.

Many still consider Díaz a candidate to return to the Mets.

“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.

MLB Trade Rumors’ Darragh McDonald believes the New York Yankees may be the team to get a deal done.

“Diaz already set the record for the largest overall guarantee ($102MM) and largest average annual value ($20.4MM) any reliever has ever received. His five-year, $102MM deal with the Mets allowed him to opt out and return to free agency this winter, and with “only” two years and $38MM remaining on that pact, he took the opt out and will take aim at toppling at least one of his own standing records,” McDonald wrote.

The Yankees stealing one of the best closers in the game from a rival seems fitting. It would also serve as payback for the Mets acquiring Juan Soto last offseason.

Adding Díaz would be huge for the Yankees, bolstering an already strong bullpen. After a disappointing end to their season, this would be a significant step in the right direction.

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