The New York Mets entered the season aiming to build on last year’s surprise run to the National League Championship Series by adding more star power, but the results fell far short of expectations. Despite headline-grabbing moves like signing Juan Soto and reuniting with Pete Alonso and Sean Manaea, the team failed to reach the postseason.
Still, owner Steve Cohen is unlikely to be discouraged. Known for his willingness to spend, Cohen could again greenlight major offseason moves, with the Mets expected to pursue a top-tier starter such as Dylan Cease or Framber Valdez after their rotation unraveled in the season’s second half.
One of the team’s top priorities will be retaining All-Star closer Edwin Díaz, who can opt out of his deal this winter following another elite campaign. According to Will Sammon and Tim Britton of The Athletic, Díaz is expected to decline the final two years and $37 million remaining on his contract after nearly replicating his stellar 2022 performance. If he becomes a free agent, the Mets are expected to extend a qualifying offer—though Díaz is unlikely to accept the one-year, $22 million deal.
His current contract also includes a $17.25 million club option for a third year, but after posting a 1.63 ERA with 28 saves this season, Díaz is poised to command a significantly richer deal. Sammon and Britton project his next contract to land around four years and $80 million, and they report that the Mets have “high” interest in bringing him back due to limited alternatives.
With A.J. Minter injured and few reliable options available on the market, Díaz’s dominance and familiarity in New York make him an especially valuable asset. Given those factors, the Mets seem destined to keep their star closer — though doing so will almost certainly require a substantial raise.