Here is the latest news and buzz surrounding free agent closer Edwin Diaz and his chances of returning to the Mets…
Nov. 14, 10:57 a.m.
The Blue Jays met with Diaz’s agents during this week’s GM Meetings, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Rosenthal adds that the Jays are “signaling a willingness” to “spend big and lose draft picks if necessary” this offseason.
Losing picks is something that will happen to any team that signs Diaz (other than the Mets), since he is attached to the qualifying offer, which he will reject.
As it pertains to Toronto and Diaz, Rosenthal reports that the rotation is a bigger priority than the bullpen, where Jeff Hoffman is the current closer.
Nov. 13, 8:15 p.m.
The Mets and Diaz have had discussions about a new deal, but nothing concrete has been talked about yet.
Diaz, who was at the MLB Awards on Thursday night, reiterated that he would “love” to remain a Met.
“I love New York. I would love to stay in New York, but if I have to go another place, I would be happy,” Diaz told reporters, including Newsday’s Laura Albanese. “I want to win a ring, so wherever I go, I want to win a ring and enjoy the time.
“I like the organization. You know, if they came with the best deal for me, I’d enjoy to stay with them, but at the end of the day, I don’t know what they’re thinking.”
Nov. 12, 8:44 a.m.
With Diaz a free agent and the Dodgers searching for a high-end reliever, it seemed they might be a big threat to lure him away from the Mets.
Maybe not.
While the Dodgers are indeed seeking a jolt for their bullpen, they could be deterred by the fact that Diaz has a qualifying offer attached to him, reports Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Per Ardaya, with the Dodgers already owing draft penalties due to exceeding the luxury tax, it could “dissuade” them and other teams in similar situations from making a run at Diaz.
According to The Athletic, Los Angeles has made free agent reliever Devin Williams a target. Williams, who spent last season with the Yankees after being acquired from the Brewers via trade, was eyed by the Dodgers before that deal.
Jon Heyman of The New York Post also reported on Diaz and the Dodgers, noting that “they may not be a big player” for him.
Per Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the contract Diaz is seeking is “essentially the same one” the Mets gave him after the 2022 season.
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