The New York Mets went all-out prior to last season to land closer Edwin Diaz, but now he’s not even guaranteed the role at the back end of the bullpen.
Mets manager Luis Rojas said Sunday that the team is exploring its options for the closer role. That includes Diaz, as well as the likes of Jeurys Familia and Dellin Betances. A closer-by-committee approach is also on the table.
Asked today about his closer situation, Luis Rojas did not commit to Edwin Diaz (or anyone) in the ninth. He mentioned Diaz, Betances, Lugo and Familia by name, and also brought up the idea of a committee.
"I don’t know yet," Rojas said. "We'll get there at some point."
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 5, 2020
This represents a pretty major fall for Diaz, at the very least. He posted a 1.96 ERA with 57 saves in 2018, prompting the Mets to trade top prospect Jerred Kelenic to acquire him. In his first year with the Mets, his ERA ballooned to 5.59, and his name even popped up in trade rumors.
Perhaps the Mets think moving Diaz out of the spotlight a bit will be beneficial as he tries to regain his footing. With guys like Betances in their bullpen now, they have quality options if they want to do that.
