Having a strong bullpen is always invaluable, and New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz currently stands out as perhaps the top relief pitcher available in the offseason market. Diaz, a two-time National League Reliever of the Year, is a dominant force in MLB with his high-velocity four-seam fastball reaching the upper 90s and a deceptive slider that baffles hitters. After opting out of the last two years of a five-year, $102 million contract, Diaz is seeking a deal reflective of his impressive stats and remains a reliable closer in his career prime. While the Mets are determined to retain him, many teams will likely compete to secure his services.
If Diaz were to depart from the Mets, three teams would be ideal candidates to acquire him. The Detroit Tigers could benefit by boosting their bullpen with Diaz, potentially shifting current closer Will Best to a setup role. Their bullpen ranked low in strikeouts and had multiple blown saves last season, highlighting the need for a proven closer like Diaz who posted a stellar 1.63 ERA with 98 strikeouts last year. Adding Diaz would provide strong late-inning security for manager AJ Hinch, although Detroit might prefer investing in offensive power instead.
The Toronto Blue Jays narrowly missed winning the World Series, with a tied score in the ninth inning of Game 7 ultimately leading to their loss. Strengthening their bullpen is a clear priority, and Diaz’s experience and skillset would fit perfectly as their new closer, pushing Jeff Hoffman back to a setup position. Toronto’s bullpen ERA was middling, and securing Diaz would give them a high-strikeout, reliable option in high-pressure situations. However, the team might hesitate to sign Diaz if they prioritize bolstering their starting rotation, which ranked in the bottom half of MLB in 2025.
Lastly, the Los Angeles , despite their recent World Series win, have bullpen weaknesses that Diaz could effectively address. Their bullpen ERA was among the worst in the playoffs, and key relievers posted high ERAs during the regular season. Diaz would provide manager Dave Roberts with a dependable closer, while internal improvements and a rebound from other pitchers like Tanner Scott would enhance overall bullpen strength. Given the ’ financial resources and immediate need, they present a perfect match for Diaz in free agency.
Fan Take: Edwin Diaz is a game-changer who could dramatically shift the competitive balance for any team lucky enough to sign him. Baseball fans should keep an eye on where he lands, as his presence could redefine late-inning strategy and elevate bullpen importance across the league.
