MIAMI, FLORIDA – JULY 29: Edwin Diaz #39 of the New York Mets reacts after delivering a pitch during the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on July 29, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
New York Mets pitcher Edwin Diaz has been an unstoppable closer this season, and his hard work may pay off with his free agency approaching.
New York Mets pitcher Edwin Diaz has been unstoppable this season as a closer, and his hard work may land him the biggest salary for closers in MLB. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, who spoke on the Pat McAfee show, Diaz “may become the first $100 million closer.”
Diaz has been incredible this season. Over 53.1 innings pitched, he’s struck out 101, walked 17 and only allowed nine runs. He’s produced an ERA of 1.52, batting average against of .168 and WHIP of 0.90. Playing with one of the best teams in the league and standing out as one of the best pitchers could undoubtedly help him cash in on a huge contract.
Mets closer Edwin Diaz didn’t always look so promising
Diaz started his MLB career with the Seattle Mariners and was traded to the Mets just three seasons after. During his first two seasons in New York, he pitched the worst of his career. His performance finally improved last season and continued to progress this season, and he’s now considered one of the best closers in the league.
The timing of his free agency is nearly perfect. If he were entering free agency during an earlier season where he didn’t perform as well, the idea of him getting paid such a large amount would seem unrealistic.
He’s currently under a one-year contract worth $10.2 million. It’d be a huge jump if he actually gets such a high offer, but he’s proven to be reliable and a major asset in the league.
With such an increase in performance and a need for good closers, Diaz could easily be worth a lot of money.