The New York Mets are coming off an abysmal season where seemingly everything went wrong.
It all started last spring training during the World Baseball Classic.
Mets closer Edwin Diaz suffered a serious knee injury, and he missed the entire season.
It seems like the Mets never recovered from losing one of their most important players.
But, the optimism is back around Mets camp this season because Diaz is ready to return.
When healthy, he is one of the best closers in baseball.
The Mets need him to be that in 2024.
According to Anthony DiComo, the Mets were playing “Narco” in camp as Diaz got set to pitch in a minor league game.
The Mets are playing "Narco" on a back field as Edwin Díaz warms for his start in a minor league game today.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 5, 2024
Diaz pitching in a minor league game is all a part of his recovery.
He should soon be ready to pitch in an MLB spring training game.
The Mets are at their best when Diaz is finishing games.
In 2022, he was a big reason the Mets were able to win 101 games, as he saved 32 games that year and finished 49 in total.
He even had an ERA of 1.31, helping him finish ninth in NL Cy Young voting.
The Mets have to be thrilled with getting Diaz back.
But, how much of an impact can he make if the Mets’ starters are not good?
On paper, the Mets do not have a good starting rotation.
The loss of Kodai Senga for the first month is significant.
But, they need to keep games close and give Diaz a chance to pitch in the late innings.
The Mets will be an interesting team to watch in 2024, but the return of Diaz will certainly help.
NEXT: Edwin Diaz Retains An Elite Title In 2024