Edwin Diaz says return to the Mets is '50-50' as prized closer enters free agency
Mets free agent closer Edwin Diaz reacts after defeating Atlanta at Citi Field on June 26. Credit: Jim McIsaac
LAS VEGAS — There may be no more fitting illustration of the Mets’ volatile offseason than its current star advocating for the return of two free agents and its potentially departing star noting that though he’d like to return to Flushing, the chances are “50-50.”
Speaking at the MLB Awards at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, free agent Edwin Diaz said that while he would like to reunite with his old team, it’s hardly a sure bet. Juan Soto, meanwhile, underlined the importance of bringing back not only Pete Alonso but Starling Marte, whom he called “one of the biggest pieces we should get.”
As for Diaz, the closer said the priority was “just get the best deal for my family . . . I love New York. I would love to stay in New York, but if I have to go another place, I would be happy. I want to win a ring, so wherever I go, I want to win a ring and enjoy the time.”
Diaz, who opted out of the final two years and $38 million of his contract, is the most valuable reliever on the free-agent market. Asked if he believes a return to the Mets is likely, he said that “as of now, it’s 50-50.’’
“We haven’t talked about a deal, about anything. We just met a little bit. I just want to see what happens in free agency.”
Diaz also implied that a hometown discount probably isn’t on his radar.
“I like the team,” he said. “I like the organization. You know, if they came with the best deal for me, I’d enjoy to stay with them, but at the end of the day, I don’t know what they’re thinking.”
Soto advocated for the return of his two teammates for tangible and intangible reasons.
“He’s the top of the league with his power,” Soto said of Alonso. “He’s one of the best power hitters of this generation. I really enjoyed my moment with him in the Mets uniform and I hope we can have more times to come and that we can have more fun together.”
Then there is Marte — one of Soto’s closest friends on the team and quietly one of its most consistent contributors last season even though he was 36. Marte hit .270 in 98 games, adapted to a bench role and mentored Soto when he first joined the team.
Soto said he hasn’t spoken to president of baseball operations David Stearns about Marte, “but he definitely knows what Marte brings to the table.’’
“He’s the guy any team wants to have in their clubhouse,” Soto said. “He’s a guy who’s a veteran who still can play, but the most important thing is that he can help to keep the clubhouse together.”
Laura Albanese is a reporter, feature writer and columnist covering local professional sports teams; she began at Newsday in 2007 as an intern.
