New York Mets star Edwin Diaz has agreed to extend the Beast’s contract that brings him back to the Queens in 2023 and beyond.
The New York Mets have eight advanced free agents, titled Jacob Degrom and Brandon Nemo. But there was a strong case for the front office to prioritize re-signing close star Edwin Diaz.
On Sunday afternoon, days before the free agency opened, the Mets re-signed Diaz’s five-year, $102 million contract, according to a source. The deal includes an opt-out, a full no-trade clause, and a sixth-year option that could make the deal worth up to $122 million.
There has been quite a stir in recent weeks that Diaz and the Mets are in talks about a contract to bring the right-hand man the closest $100 million in history. This season, Diaz has emerged as the best player in baseball, with a 1.31 ERA and 118/18 strike-to-walk ratio in 62 innings and ranking in the 100th percentile in strike rate, xSLG, xBA, xERA and whiff rate.
What does Edwin Diaz’s extension mean for the future of the Mets?
With Diaz’s signature, the Mets can now turn their attention toward DeGrom and Nimmo. But both negotiations will be difficult and costly. DeGrom will seek a three- or four-year deal worth North of Max Scherzer’s three-year, $130 million contract, and while he has indicated he’d like to stay in New York, he will have a number of suitors – including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers, from among others.
Nemo’s negotiating characters move away, as his agent, Scott Borras, prefers his players to prove their worth in the open market. But he is expected to attract huge interest in free agency and could order a contract worth more than $100 million.
This is why Diaz’s re-signing is so important. With his signature, they can now focus their attention on two other free agent stars. But Diaz’s contract has been pricey — and he already has competitors eager to see how the deal is getting old.
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