Carlos Beltran Expects Edwin Diaz To Be Mets Closer in 2020

New York Mets manager Carlos Beltran gave embattled reliever Edwin Diaz a vote of confidence from the Winter Meetings in San Diego, CA on Tuesday.

According to Mike Mayer of MetsMerized, the Mets’ first-year skipper expects Diaz, 25, to be the team’s closer in 2020.

Following a shockingly ineffective first season in Flushing, Beltran’s early declaration regarding a catalytic bullpen cog in Diaz comes as somewhat of a surprise.

Over 66 appearances for the Mets in 2019 (58 innings), Diaz pitched to a 5.59 ERA (4.51 FIP) with 99 strikeouts, 22 walks, and an MLB-leading 15 home runs allowed.

The Puerto Rican-native’s 15.36 strikeouts per nine innings ranked third among qualified MLB relievers last season, pointing to mountains of talent and potential. If Diaz can harness it all, 2020 could be an exciting season for the young right-hander.