The New York Mets are currently enjoying a dream season by their closer, Edwin Diaz.
In 52.1 innings, he has an incredible 1.38 ERA and 100 strikeouts.
Yes: he has more punchouts than several starters who have surpassed the 100-inning threshold.
His fastball-slider combo is death to right-handed hitters, and his overall stuff, command, control, and velocity are too much for batters from any hand to handle.
Diaz is making $10.2 million in 2022, his last season of arbitration eligibility.
After the World Series, however, he will become a free agent: any team with money and aspirations to contend should be able to at least pique his interest.
He may consider giving any “tiebreaker” to the Mets, but so far, there is no clue on whether he would accept a “hometown discount”.
That notion, however, rarely applies for Steve Cohen’s Mets: as the richest owner in baseball, he will likely be prepared to top any offer Diaz receives over the offseason in order to keep him in New York.
Diaz Is Primed For A Huge Payday
As a result of a potential bidding war for MLB’s most overpowering reliever, ESPN reporter and analyst Jeff Passan said that his contract could establish a record for a player of his position.
“Jeff Passan says Edwin Diaz ‘may become the first $100 million closer,'” Talkin’ Yanks tweeted.
Jeff Passan says Edwin Diaz "may become the first $100 million closer"
(via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/pbDNjS5Hae
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 1, 2022
Usually, top closers get a lot of money, but not as much as franchise cornerstones or young pitchers.
For example, closer Liam Hendriks, one of the best in the business, signed a three-year, $54 million deal.
Kenley Jansen and Craig Kimbrel are making $16 million, but on one-year deals.
Diaz may push the $20 million-per-season threshold, and he is likely to net a four or five-year deal given he is just 28.
He could become the first $100 million closer in the right market.
Will he be able to earn that much?
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals A Huge Mets Advantage In September