{"id":110544,"date":"2025-12-09T19:07:26","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T00:07:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=110544"},"modified":"2025-12-09T19:07:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T00:07:26","slug":"mets-lose-edwin-diaz-dodgers-bullpen-plans-shift-devin-williams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/12\/09\/mets-lose-edwin-diaz-dodgers-bullpen-plans-shift-devin-williams\/","title":{"rendered":"Mets Lose D\u00edaz to Dodgers as Bullpen Plans Shift to Devin Williams"},"content":{"rendered":"

The last trumpet has blown at Citi Field. After weeks of free agent drama, the New York Mets ultimately lose Edwin D\u00edaz<\/a>, who is signing a three-year, $69 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, first reported by Will Sammon of The Athletic. After several reports over the last few days stating that the Mets were still atop the D\u00edaz race, New York fell flat on its face in its attempt to retain its superstar closer.<\/p>\n

\"The
Jul 3, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mets Lose Edwin D\u00edaz to Two-Time Defending Champs<\/h2>\n

The Mets offered D\u00edaz a three-year, $65 million deal, with wiggle room to potentially discuss a higher number, which he instead signed with the Dodgers, per Anthony DiComo. This is due to one of two factors: D\u00edaz saw the success of the Dodgers and also secured the money he was seeking, compared to staying in New York. The Dodgers have won back-to-back championships and still boast the best roster in baseball.<\/p>\n

David Stearns also shares some blame for this. He failed to give a fan-favorite player the money he was seeking while agreeing to the contract length the Mets were comfortable offering.<\/p>\n

There were also two other factors involving D\u00edaz’s departure from Queens, reported by Mike Puma.<\/p>\n

1) Alexis D\u00edaz<\/a>, his brother and fellow reliever, raved about the Dodgers’ staff and resources last season.<\/p>\n

2) Edwin D\u00edaz was unhappy that the Mets moved on from pitching coach Jeremy Hefner<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next for the Mets?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Mets are linked to several different closers<\/a> on the current market. These names include Pete Fairbanks<\/a> and Robert Suarez<\/a>, who are both solid options but can\u2019t replace the production D\u00edaz offered. New York is also linked<\/a> to Trevor Megill<\/a>, with the Brewers reportedly fielding offers. But are the Mets truly in the market for a new closer?<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Mets will now almost certainly proceed with Devin Williams<\/a> as their closer and build out the bullpen in front of him, rather than add a big piece behind him,\u201d DiComo reported following the D\u00edaz move.<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t a move that benefits the Mets whatsoever. As a closer for the New York Yankees last season, Williams was ineffective, posting a career-worst 4.79 ERA along with 18 saves in 22 attempts, ultimately losing his ninth-inning role midway through the season due to command issues.<\/p>\n

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The Mets will now almost certainly proceed with Devin Williams as their closer and build out the bullpen in front of him, rather than add a big piece behind him.<\/p>\n

D\u00edaz’s Mets tenure ends after six seasons. https:\/\/t.co\/EyiRpmMWq6<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) December 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n