New York Mets lock up closer Edwin Diaz with record-breaking five-year, $102 million deal
For the first time in baseball history, a team is committing over $100 million to a relief pitcher.
The New York Mets have reached an agreement with star closer Edwin Diaz on a five-year, $102 million deal — with an option for a sixth season — a person with knowledge of the deal tells USA TODAY Sports.
The person requested anonymity because the deal has not been officially announced.
Diaz was perhaps the best closer in baseball this past season, dominating hitters with a 1.31 ERA and 0.84 WHIP, while converting 32 of 35 save opportunities. He also struck out 118 in 62 innings of work, an average of 17.1 strikeouts per nine innings.
The move comes just days before MLB players who aren’t under contract for next season officially become free agents on Thursday.
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Diaz was one of the key contributors in the Mets 101-win season in 2022.
His entrance music, “Narco” by Timmy Trumpet and Blasterjaxx, was a highlight for Mets fans whenever he pitched.
The Mets acquired Diaz four years ago in a trade with the Seattle Mariners that also netted them second baseman Robinson Cano. The deal was initially criticized after Diaz struggled to a 5.59 ERA in his first season in New York. However, he’s posted an ERA under 2.00 in two of his last three seasons — and just this year was named an All-Star for the second time in his career.
Bob Nightengale contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Edwin Diaz, New York Mets agree to record-setting $102 million deal
Source: Yahoo Sports
