Edwin Díaz: Mets' Closer Conundrum

The Mets are still in the mix for Edwin Díaz, but talks have hit a snag. Díaz is eyeing a five-year deal, while the Mets are leaning towards a three-year commitment. The recent signing of Devin Williams adds a new layer to the situation. Williams is open to a setup role if Díaz returns, but his addition might also signal that the Mets are ready to move on and secure a compensatory draft pick. The Mets' bullpen took a hit with several key relievers hitting free agency. Tyler Rogers, Ryan Helsley, Gregory Soto, and Ryne Stanek are all gone. This leaves the team with a significant void in the late innings. Williams could step into the closer role, but Huascar Brazoban would then be the most experienced setup man. The Mets need to bolster their bullpen with at least two more high-leverage relievers. Díaz is a clear upgrade over Williams in the ninth inning. Last season, Díaz posted a 1. 63 ERA and struck out 38% of batters. He converted 28 out of 31 save opportunities. Williams, on the other hand, had an uneven year with the Yankees. While he shows promise, he's still a bit of a gamble. The Mets' bullpen would look much stronger with Williams in the eighth and Díaz in the ninth. The Blue Jays are the only other team publicly linked to Díaz, but several other teams could be in the mix. The Dodgers, Giants, Yankees, Tigers, Red Sox, Cubs, Diamondbacks, and Angels might also be looking for high-leverage bullpen help. The Mets have a tough decision to make. They need to weigh the benefits of re-signing Díaz against the potential of a compensatory draft pick and a new closer in Williams.