LAS VEGAS — Edwin Díaz is encouraged by the amount of early interest he’s receiving in free agency and acknowledged Thursday there have been discussions between his representation and the Mets.
But the All-Star closer at this point isn’t tipping whether he believes a return to Queens will materialize.
“As of now, I would say it’s 50-50,” Díaz said on the red carpet at the MLB awards show — he was a nominee for National League Reliever of the Year. “We haven’t talked about a deal. We just met a little bit, and I just want to see what happens in free agency.”
Díaz, 30, opted out of his contract with two years and $37 million remaining. He stands to capitalize following a season in which he pitched to a 1.63 ERA in 62 appearances with 28 saves in 31 chances.
The Mets extended a qualifying offer worth $22 million to Díaz, ensuring they will receive draft pick compensation if he departs.
What is Díaz seeking in free agency?
“Just get the best deal for me and my family,” he said. “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.”
As for the level of interest in him, Díaz added, “I think it’s good. I just follow my agent and what he told me, and he’s really happy with what he is hearing right now. We have just got to wait a little bit and see what is happening.”
Díaz reached the brink of free agency following the 2022 season, agreeing to a five-year contract worth $102 million, which included the opt out, only hours before other teams were free to pursue him.
The expectation is Díaz will need a commitment of four or five years in his next deal.
“We would enjoy to stay [with the Mets], but at the end of the day, we don’t know what they are thinking,” Díaz said. “We have got our role. My agency wants to do the best job, and I just listen to my agent.”
Juan Soto, also on the red carpet as a finalist for NL MVP (he finished third behind winner Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber) indicated he was disappointed the team lost first base coach Antoan Richardson to the Braves after the two sides couldn’t reach agreement on a new contract.
Soto stole a career-high 38 bases last season and has credited Richardson for his success.
“It was really sad,” Soto said. “But you have just got to understand it’s a business, and we have got to take it like a man and move forward.”
Soto said he’s hopeful the team will find a spot for Starling Marte, whose leadership he valued in the clubhouse last season. Marte is a free agent. Soto said he hasn’t spoken to president of baseball operations David Stearns about the topic.
“But he definitely knows,” Soto said. “He knows what Marte brings to the table. He’s a guy that any team wants to have in the clubhouse — a guy that you want to have around, a veteran that still can play, and the most important thing is he can help keep the clubhouse together and try to move forward every time.
“You need a guy that helped you the most through those tough times and try to bring the team back to where it’s supposed to be. I think it’s a huge piece for us, even if it doesn’t look like it, and I feel like that is one of the biggest pieces we should get.”
Soto was also asked how closely he will monitor Pete Alonso’s situation now that the first baseman has opted out of his contract.
“I hope for nothing but the best, and I’m really excited to see where he’s going to end up,” Soto said. “He’s one of the best power hitters in this generation. I really enjoyed my moment with him in a Mets uniform, and I hope we can have more times to come. We can have fun together.”
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
