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The New York Mets have lost their lead in the National League East division in the midst of a three-game losing streak.
The team might point to some pressure on superstar Juan Soto during the recent Subway Series as a reason for the step back. But they have been enjoying a surprising resurgence from another highly paid star.
After missing all of the 2023 season due to injury and then returning for a shaky campaign last year, closer Edwin Diaz has apparently returned to his best form in recent outings.
“After a wobbly stretch in mid-April, Diaz has flashed dominance reminiscent of his brilliant 2022, striking out 11 batters in 8 1/3 scoreless innings with just two walks,” per Will Sammon of The Athletic. “(Pete) Alonso said he had a recent conversation with Diaz that left him under the impression that Diaz was ‘locked in’ and ‘crushing his process.’ “
Alonso refused to provide any additional details about that conversation, but whatever Diaz has been doing lately has been working. He hasn’t given up a hit in his last four outings.
And that surprising change is likely to lead Diaz to a contract decision that might have been unthinkable at this point last year.
“If Diaz continues to pitch at a high level this season, I expect him to opt out in November to pursue a longer-term deal,” Sammon’s colleague at The Athletic, Jim Bowden, predicted. “The two-time All-Star remains one of the best closers in the game.”
If Diaz walks away from his current contract, it’s always possible the Mets would renegotiate with him, though that seems unlikely given their previous commitment to him.
Diaz signed a then-record $102 million contract with the Mets in 2022, which includes an opt out after this season and a potential $17 million club option for 2028. By cutting ties with the Mets and leaving that deal, Diaz would be walking away from as much as $48 million.
But if his return to dominance lasts throughout the rest of the season, it’s possible he could exceed that total with a longer contract from another team.
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