Mets star Edwin Diaz declared there is a ’50-50′ chance he returns to New York in free agency amid interest from other teams.
The closer, 31, got back to All-Star form last year as he pitched a 1.63 ERA in 62 games.
But after opting out of the final two years and $37million of his contract, there is a chance he has played his final game for the Mets – with one insider linking him to the Dodgers.
‘We [he and the Mets] haven’t talked about a deal,’ he said at the MLB Awards show, via the New York Post. ‘We just met a little bit, and I just want to see what happens in free agency.’
Diaz was transparent about what he was looking for on the market.
‘Just get the best deal for me and my family,’ he continued. ‘I love New York, and I would love to stay in New York, but if I have to go to another place, I will be happy and want to win a ring. Wherever I go, I want to win a ring and enjoy the time.’
Edwin Diaz is unsure if he will return to the Mets in free agency after another strong year
He has played six seasons in New York, becoming a fan favorite in the process
The right-hander’s comments come after ESPN’s Jeff Passan called for the World Series-champion Dodgers to go after Diaz.
‘While they have plenty of room to maneuver for a trade, the most obvious move is to hope the second time’s the charm in spending big money on a closer after Tanner Scott’s disappearing act this year,’ Passan wrote. ‘Sign free agent closer Edwin Diaz.’
The Mets have extended a $22million qualifying offer to Diaz, which means they will at least receive a draft pick if he joins another team.
Since he was traded to the Mets in late 2018, Diaz has become a Mets hero with his stellar pitching and iconic bullpen entrance.
He was also an All-Star in 2022, when he pitched a blistering 1.31 ERA with 32 saves on the year.
His Mets ERA currently stands at 2.93 in 332 games.
Despite a strong 2025 for Diaz individually, it was a disappointing end to the season for the Mets as they missed the playoffs and sputtered to an 83-79 record despite statement signing of Juan Soto.
Soto blasted 43 home runs and Pete Alonso was not far behind with 38, though the latter could also depart in free agency.
