Pitcher Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets looks on during the eighth inning in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field in New York City, New York, October 8, 2022. /CFP
The New York Mets and free agent star closer Edwin Diaz reached an agreement over a five-year, $102 million contract, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan on Sunday. As long as Diaz passes the physical, the deal will be signed.
No closer in MLB history has ever had a nine-figure deal or over a $20 million annual salary until Diaz. His new contract also contains an opt-out, a full no-trade clause and a sixth-year option.
Diaz gave the Mets good reasons to keep him with such a lucrative deal by finishing with 32 saves, a 1.31 earned run average (ERA) and 118 strikeouts in 62 innings in the 2022 season. The Mets won 101 regular season games, ranking second in the National League (NL) East.
Pitcher Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets pitches during the eighth inning in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field in New York City, New York, October 9, 2022. /CFP
The Mets traded heavily for Diaz and veteran second baseman Robinson Cano in 2018 by sending right fielder Jay Bruce, pitcher Anthony Swarzak and three prospects to the Seattle Mariners. Before that, Diaz led the major league with 57 saves in his last season as a Mariner, the second-most saves secured by any player in a single season. Bobby Thigpen did it in the Chicago White Sox. Only Francisco Rodriguez did better than that in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim with 62 saves in 2008.
Diaz's career didn't start well in the Mets as he had the seventh-worst ERA among relivers (5.59), allowed 15 home runs with a batting wins above replacement (bWAR) of -0.6 in 58 innings as well as boos from home fans when he was on the mound.
His performance began to improve since then and grew good enough to make him an All-Star this season.