Why Mets Should Pursue Alexis Díaz Trade After Edwin Díaz Injury Amid MLB Rumors

The 2023 World Baseball Classic has been a thrill ride for most, but not for the New York Mets and their fanbase.

Closing pitcher Edwin Díaz suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee last week. It happened during a post-game celebration after he helped send the Puerto Rico national team to the quarterfinals with a win over the Dominican Republic.

Díaz signed a five-year, $102 million contract in December and was expected to be a key cog for New York this season and moving forward. His injury leaves the club, which is hoping to return to the World Series for the first time since 2015, in a predicament.

It's likely the 29-year-old will miss the entire season, though it's not a guarantee.

"There are instances where athletes have come back earlier, more around the six-month mark," Mets general manager Billy Eppler told reporters. "But those are a little bit more of the exception than the rule."

According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, there is a belief that Díaz could return for postseason play:

"Through happenstance, quick action by medical personnel, and even a thoughtful gesture by owner Steve Cohen, the Mets may have increased Diaz's odds, however slightly, of returning to the mound in time for a potential World Series run.

"'There is some optimism,' a person close to Díaz told The Athletic. 'You never know.'"

While New York would love to have Díaz back in the lineup in the fall, it still has a 162-game regular season to navigate. Whether his recovery is on the short end or not, the Mets need a place-filler in the closing rotation.

This brings us to Cincinnati Reds reliever Alexis Díaz, who also happens to be Edwin Díaz's younger brother.

The 26-year-old made his MLB debut last season and went 7-3 in 59 appearances (63.2 innings) with 10 saves and a 1.84 ERA. He clearly isn't as established as his older brother, but he's still young and has flashed promise as a closer.

The Mets have looked into uniting the Díaz brothers before, according to SNY's Andy Martino.

"Last July, according to sources, the Mets contacted the Cincinnati Reds in an effort to trade for reliever Alexis Díaz," he wrote in November. "New York deemed the price high enough to call into question whether Díaz was available."

The Mets reportedly have not been in contact with Cincinnati since Edwin's injury.

However, New York must seriously consider making a run at Alexis Díaz, and for a couple of reasons—beyond the fact that it would be a terrific feel-good story.

For one, the Díaz brothers are reportedly very close.

"According to people who know the Díaz family well, Edwin was extremely engaged in Alexis' rookie season last year. One friend jokingly referred to Edwin as a 'Little League parent' to Alexis," Martino wrote.

Adding Alexis would likely have a positive impact on the locker room, and Edwin's presence could help his brother quickly adapt to his new surroundings. While Edwin might not be able to contribute in the regular season, he could aid his brother as he learns to face opposing NL East lineups and the nuances of Citi Field.

Secondly, Alexis is a promising 26-year-old who will be under team control for the foreseeable future. Trading for the younger Díaz wouldn't be just a stopgap move. There could be a ton of long-term value in it for the Mets.

Lastly, the Reds are in full-on rebuilding mode and no player is untouchable—they've even admitted they could move franchise star Joey Votto under the right circumstances:

While Alexis Díaz would likely command a high asking price, Cincinnati might demand less than a team that's looking to win now would.

"The Reds are 'all-in' on their rebuild and if they can 'win' a prospect trade, GM Nick Krall would pull the trigger," The Athletic's Jim Bowden wrote.

The Mets undoubtedly don't want to part with top prospects such as Francisco Álvarez and Brett Baty, but they have a deep farm system and might work out an offer to which Cincinnati is amenable that doesn't include them.

It's worth at least finding out Cincinnati's asking price. New York has gone all-in on this season with a league-high $304.7 million payroll. Trading for Alexis is a move that could help the Mets navigate Edwin's injury and potentially aid them well into the future.

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*Payroll and contract information via Spotrac.