What Is Edwin Diaz Looking for in Next Contract? MLB Insider Updates Buzz on Mets FA

Coming off a big season in 2025, Edwin Díaz is looking to cash in as a free agent in a deal that could reset the closer market.

Per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, Díaz is seeking a contract that is "essentially the same one" he signed with the New York Mets after the 2022 season.

The previous contract Díaz signed was worth $102 million over five years. He became the first reliever to get a deal worth at least $100 million, surpassing the previous high mark of $86 million over five years Aroldis Chapman got from the New York Yankees in December 2016.

Díaz's deal also included an opt-out after the third season that he used, leaving two years and $37 million on the table. The right-hander is coming off a 2025 season in which he posted a 1.63 ERA, 98 strikeouts and 28 saves in 62 games.

It was a huge rebound year for Díaz after he missed all of 2023 due to a knee injury suffered in the World Baseball Classic. He was effective in 2024 but not as dominant with a 3.52 ERA in 54 games.

Even though Díaz would seem to be negotiating from a place of leverage given his successful 2025, teams seem almost certain to have some concerns about a potential five-year deal worth at least $100 million for a relief pitcher.

Another problem that Díaz might have is the Mets gave him the qualifying offer, so if a different team signs him in free agency, they would have to forfeit a draft pick.

Dating back to 2018, Díaz has alternated between a sub-2.00 ERA and over-3.00 ERA every year he has played. His peripheral numbers have always been strong with at least 12 strikeouts per nine innings in every season of his career.

The 2025 season was crucial for Díaz in proving that he was still capable of being an elite closer. His reliability at the end of games might be enough to convince teams looking for help in the back of their bullpen to give him that one more big payday he hopes to secure while still in his prime.