Mets Weigh Retaining Star Closer Diaz Amid Crowded Reliever Market

As of November 13, 2025, the New York Mets are at a critical juncture in their rebuild following a disappointing 2025 season where they missed the playoffs despite signing free agent Juan Soto to a record contract. One of the Mets' most pressing decisions is the future of their star closer, Edwin Diaz, who opted out of the last two years of his contract and is now exploring free agency.

After a solid 2025 campaign, the Puerto Rican Diaz is once again among the most coveted relief pitchers on the market. However, the Mets' president of baseball operations, David Stearns, is known for his cautious and methodical approach to decision-making, which could complicate a potential contract renewal with Diaz. This is especially true given the abundance of late-inning relievers available in the current free agent market, including names like Devin Williams, Robert Suarez, Ryan Helsley, and Raisel Iglesias.

Retaining Diaz would be a significant move for the Mets, both on the field and symbolically, as he is one of the team's most recognizable faces. However, the Mets' existing salary commitments, some of which were disappointing in 2025, may force the management to redistribute resources to other areas of need. Whichever path the Mets choose, their fans are hoping for an immediate response in the 2026 season, as the team looks to regain the competitive identity that took them to the playoffs in 2024.