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Coming off one of the best seasons we have seen from a closer in Mets history, it’s no surprise Edwin Díaz was ranked number one on MLB Network’s list of the top relief pitchers in baseball right now.

Díaz headed up the list, followed by Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians and Milwaukee’s Devin Williams.

Dominant was an understatement for Díaz in 2022. Racking up an All-Star appearance and finishing 9th in NL Cy Young voting, Díaz’ 100+ mph fastball and devastating slider had batters whiffing all season long.

Díaz posted just a 1.31 ERA in 62 appearances, while recording 32 saves and striking out 118 of the 235 batters he faced. Díaz’ advanced stats were off the charts as well, he posted 17.1 K/9, 0.839 WHIP and just 4.9 H/9.

Beyond the stats and success on the mound, Díaz brought an unparalleled fan experience to Citi Field every time he entered the game. Timmy Trumpet playing his song “Narcos” live at the stadium will be one of the best memories of the 2022 season for fans, but it certainly wasn’t the only memory Díaz made along the way last season.

Díaz also closed out the second no hitter in Mets history against the Phillies on April 29th, finishing off an incredible team effort from Tylor Megill, Drew Smith, Joely Rodriguez and Seth Lugo.

It might seem like a distant memory to many Mets fans, but Díaz wasn’t always the dominant force he is now in New York. In 2019, Díaz’ first season in Queens, he struggled to adjust to playing in New York. With a 5.59 ERA and 15 homers allowed, it looked bleak for the then-25-year-old coming off a dominant season in Seattle. Showing his work ethic and mental toughness, Díaz overcame those initial struggles and now is one of New York’s most beloved athletes.

Looking forward to 2023, the Metswill bring back set-up man Adam Ottavino and also added veteran reliever David Robertson to help set the table for Díaz. Coming off 32 saves in 2021 and 2022, Díaz has shown continual improvement during his time as a Met, and will look to continue his reign as baseball’s best closer.