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This is a roundtable we didn’t want to write. This is a roundtable we didn’t think we’d write. Yet here we are, and it’s a very important question.

Edwin Díaz is out for the season following knee surgery. The Mets need to find a new closer. Should it come internally or externally? Can anyone even replace Díaz? What should the Mets do? Here’s what we think.

John Sheridan

There really isn’t anything there unless the Mets are willing to significantly overpay. Fortunately, there are internal options. David Robertson has been a successful closer in his career, and he’s done it in New York. If that doesn’t work, Drew Smith has the stuff to be a closer. In the meantime, grab some relievers as they shake loose from rosters over the next couple of weeks to add arms to the equation. As things unfold, then act accordingly. That’s all you can realistically do right now.

Chris Bello

The Mets will most likely fix their hole at the closer position internally. That being said, David Robertson seems like the obvious option. He has closing experience in New York, has recent experience — 20 saves between the Cubs and Phillies last season, — and has put up respectable numbers his whole career.

While it’s unlikely the Mets go after a high profile closer before the season starts, one name to that could be fun to watch is José Leclerc. His name hasn’t been mentioned in any trade rumors but the Rangers have a plethora of options to close in 2023. Billy Eppler could shock everyone with one last trade before the start of the season.

Matt Mancuso

There’s really no perfect solution to replace Diaz. But I tend to agree with the opinion MMO’s Dilip Sridhar recently wrote on. His plan to replace Diaz’s production is to replace him, in the aggregate. By placing their best relievers in high-leverage situations, the club has a chance to follow Diaz’s impact. A talented cabinet of relievers is a good first step. The second step is the harder one; optimizing their bullpen’s production by placing their best guys in the highest-leverage spots.

Dan Quiñones

I think the best option for the ninth is to have a closer by committee situation. Nobody in the pen can match up with Diaz by themselves, but if they play the matchups rather than giving pitchers set roles in certain innings, I think they can certainly have success in his absence.

The Mets have plenty of talented relievers in their bullpen, and with the reports that they are interested in Zack Britton, they could potentially have another pitcher with closing experience. The best option for this team would be to have the reliever with the best chance of success that day closing games. In most cases, that should probably be Ottavino, Robertson or Raley.

Andrew Steele-Davis

Edwin Díaz is a true master of his craft and you can’t fully replace a player like that. However, there are some good internal options and David Robertson should be able to step up. He’s been there, done it and he boasts a wealth of experience. More importantly, he’s closed out games in New York before with the Yankees, so he shouldn’t be fazed by the pressure or by the occasion once we get to October. It makes sense to elevate Robertson to the role of closer for the 2023 season, and then maybe acquire a low-risk arm like Zack Britton to shore up the rest of the bullpen.

James Villani

Given the reliever depth general manager Billy Eppler and team built up through the offseason, the need to go external for a specific and established “replacement” is not necessary. Though, as always, keeping an eye on the waiver market would be wise in case more potential, cheap depth emerges.

As for who should close ball games, David Robertson seems to be the most obvious choice. Though, don’t be surprised if Adam Ottavino gets some save opportunities as well. He has been terrific since becoming a Met before the 2022 season.

Christian De Block

Edwin Díaz is one of the few players on the Mets current roster this is irreplaceable. What he brings to the table, both on and off the field, cannot be found via free agency, especially this late into the offseason. The best way to move forward in the bullpen is to lean on those of which who have closed in the past. Newly-signed David Robertson has 157 saves in his 14-year career, 20 of which came for the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies last season. Adam Ottavino can close games if needed, although he is best suited to have success in more of a setup role. Recent reports have said the team could go after a guy like Zack Britton, someone who played for Buck Showalter in Baltimore. Attempting to replace Díaz should be done internally as the Mets look to gear up for the 2023 season.

Rich Sparago

The Mets may have to look outside the organization to close some of the gap created by the loss of Edwin Díaz. David Robertson has closed successfully, but he’s 39 years old and likely cannot be relied upon as a primary closer. Adam Ottavino is 37, and has a total of 33 career saves. Brooks Raley may be able to close on a selective basis, but if the Mets want a bullpen by committee, the committee members all have areas of concern. There are options on the trade market, and whether the Mets act now or later, they will likely need another reliable arm to add to the mix. Alexis Díaz is one option, as is Daniel Bard of Colorado. Aroldis Chapman is past his closing prime, but the Royals would likely part with him. David Bednar of the Pirates and Alex Lange of the Tigers may also be trade candidates.

Note: MMO’s took an in-depth look at potential trade targets to replace Edwin Díaz. Dilip Sridhar took an analytical look at how the Mets could replace his value, too.