In a move that is really more of a formality than anything, Edwin Díaz is planning to opt out of the final two years of his contract with the Mets, according to Ken Rosenthal.
The news is largely expected,
as Díaz had his best season since 2022. After missing all of 2023 with a torn patellar tendon, and a 2024 campaign that saw him trying to regain his form, he pitched to a 1.63 ERA and a 2.28 FIP, with 98 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings. He finished the year with 28 saves, his most since saving 32 games in back-to-back seasons in 2021 and 2022, and was named to the NL All-Star team for the second time as a member of the Mets.
Díaz originally signed a five-year, $102 million contract after his stellar 2022 campaign, which included an opt-out after 2025 and a club option for 2028. His contract was the most lucrative for a reliever in major league history, and it’s certain following his performance in 2025 that he will be looking to exceed the value. He does have age working against him, as he will turn 32 a few days before Opening Day. In six seasons with the Mets, the right-hander owns a 2.93 ERA and a 2.56 FIP, with 538 strikeouts in 328 1/3 innings. Despite a really rough first year, he has established himself as one of the best relievers in the game during his time in New York.
The Mets will certainly consider bringing back the fan favorite for 2026 and beyond, but they do have some options should they fail to re-sign him. Most notably, Robert Suarez just opted out of his deal with the Padres today, and Reds’ closer Emilio Pagán is also set to hit free agency. The team could also look to the trade market for a potential replacement.
