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Sources have told MMO the Mets will make a strong push to sign star closer Edwin Díaz before free agency kicks off five days after the conclusion of the World Series. Mets owner Steve Cohen realizes the value that Díaz has on the field as well as the excitement he brings to Citi Field with his “Narco” entrance and wants baseball’s best closer to stay in New York.

While the Mets have a ton of important free agents that include center fielder Brandon Nimmo, potentially a large chunk of their rotation with Jacob deGrom expected to opt-out, and most of their bullpen, early indications are the Mets will make getting Díaz locked up before he hits the open market a priority.

Díaz, 28, was the best reliever in baseball in 2022, when he posted a 1.31 ERA, 0.90 FIP, 0.84 WHIP, and struck out 118 of the 235 batters he faced. His 50.2 strikeout percentage was the third-highest all-time and became the second fastest player (51.2 IP) to 100 strikeouts in a season. He also allowed only 34 hits and walked 18 in 62 innings. His 1.31 ERA is the second lowest in Mets history and his 118 strikeouts rank second in franchise history for reliever as well.

Díaz did all of that while working not only as a traditional closer, but also pitching in high-leverage spots earlier than the ninth inning. He also, at times, went more than three outs when needed. He earned the National League Reliever of the Month award three straight times for June, July, and August, becoming the first pitcher to do so.

The right-hander came to the Mets in a trade with the Seattle Mariners back in 2018 alongside veteran second baseman Robinson Canó for prospects Jarred Kelenic, Justin Dunn, Gerson Bautista and veterans Jay Bruce and Anthony Swarzak.

Díaz had a nightmarish first season with the Mets in 2019 when he posted a 5.59 ERA as the closer, however, the right-hander 2.27 ERA and 227 strikeouts in 150 innings since. I believe it’s safe to say he’s found his comfort zone as it became must-see TV across baseball this season when Díaz entered Citi Field to “Narco” including the time Timmy Trumpet played it live in a win against the Dodgers.

Outside of Díaz, it’s going to be a weak closer market that will mostly consist of older arms like Kenley Jansen (35), Craig Kimbrel (34), and David Robertson (37). If Díaz hits free agency, there will certainly be a bidding war for the games best closer with multiple teams from the NL East likely involved. It’s possible that the 28-year-old Díaz becomes the first reliever in major league history to get a $100 million contract.

Locking up Díaz before free agency would be a great start to a crucial offseason for Mets’ GM Billy Eppler.