New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball in 2022. He saved 32 games for the team and was named an All-Star for the second time in his career. His pitches were nearly unhittable, as he struck out 118 batters in 62 innings.
Unfortunately, that weapon at the back of their bullpen was lost for the 2023 season. Edwin Diaz suffered a complete tear of his right patellar tendon during the World Baseball Classic, which set the tone for a disastrous 2023 campaign for the Mets.
After missing the entire season, Edwin Diaz was back as the team’s closer for 2024. But, the production has not yet been there. He has struggled mightily, blowing three saves in eight opportunities.
Over the weekend, things reached a head. He took the mound to protect a four-run lead against the Miami Marlins. He blew that game, which led to him breaking down in tears post-game while speaking to reporters.
“Edwin Díaz did what he always does,” Steve Gelbs of SNY said of Díaz after the game. “Good or bad, he stood at his locker, spoke to the media and answered every single question, but then when we were done with the post-game scrum, Díaz sat down at his locker and all the emotion just came out. He put his head in his hands and he started crying.”
With their star closer struggling in his return, the Mets have decided to make a change. Edwin Diaz, wanting to do what is best for the team, was open to his role changing. The team sounds as if they are leaning in that direction, with a committee approach being used to close games for the foreseeable future.
Until Diaz can regain his confidence, the Mets will turn to a collection of games late in games. Reed Garrett should lead the team in save chances, but Adam Ottavino, Jorge Lopez and Jake Diekman mixing in as well.
During the season, Edwin Diaz has pitched 18 innings, surrendering 13 runs, 11 earned. He has 27 strikeouts with seven walks, giving up five home runs. After a disastrous 2019 when opponents hit 15 home runs off of him, Diaz allowed only eight long balls the next three seasons combined.
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