QUEENS, NY: In the second year of his historic five-year contract, right-hander Edwin Diaz signed with the Mets, neither party has gotten what they had hoped for out of the $102 million investment.
Following an impressive 2022 campaign in which he struck out over 50% of batters faced while pitching to an incredible 1.31 ERA with a 0.90 FIP, Diaz, suffered a ruptured tendon in his right knee during the spring World Baseball Classic and missed the whole 2023 season.
His 2024 has been abysmal. Across 18.0 innings pitched, Diaz has pitched to a 5.50 ERA and has just 5 saves to account. The 30-year old has been known for being lights out and the best closer in baseball, that just has not been the case.
Per Steve Gelbs of SNY, Diaz broke down in tears at his locker when he was done speaking with reporters after Friday’s loss. Francisco Lindor and Sean Reid-Foley consoled him. The Mets say Diaz is taking a temporary step back from the closer role.
With Diaz getting put into some softer spots, fans across the league can only hope this helps Diaz get back to the fun and electric closer everyone knows he can be. With baseball only now hitting June shortly, Diaz has quite the amount of time to turn his and the Mets season around.
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