By Joe D.
In a press conference to announce that manager Mickey Callaway had been fired, general manager Brodie Van Wagenen fielded questions from reporters on a variety of issues confronting the New York Mets.
While discussing his thoughts and plans for the 2020 season, Van Wagenen stated that both right-hander Noah Syndergaard and reliever Edwin Diaz would be on the team next season.
“Edwin Diaz is going to be on our team next year. That is our full expectation. And Noah Syndergaard is going to be on our team next year.”
Despite constant trade rumors that raged throughout the summer, Syndergaard was glad he wasn’t dealt at the trade deadline, and after his final start of the year he told reporters he was “confident” that he would be with the Mets next season.
“We’re all part of something huge here,” Syndergaard said. “We all want to be part of it next year.”
Syndergaard, 27, is coming off the worst season of his career, finishing with a 4.28 ERA and 1.234 WHIP in 32 starts for the Mets. Not exactly terrible, but not great either though he finished strong.
Diaz, on the other hand was a complete disaster for the Mets from beginning to end.
Acquired along with Robinson Cano in a controversial deal with the Seattle Mariners, Diaz was expected to slot right in as the team’s closer.
However, he was plagued by control issues and ineffectiveness and finished the season with a 5.59 ERA, seven losses and seven blown saves to go with his 26 saves.
Diaz, 25, allowed an alarming 15 home runs in 58 innings pitched over 66 appearances.
Van Wagenen said he still believes in the young reliever and expects him to bounce back next season. Let’s hope so.
