Here’s what the monster Edwin Diaz extension means for Mets future

New York Mets star closer Edwin Diaz has agreed to a monster contract extension that brings him back to Queens in 2023 and beyond. 

The New York Mets have eight high-end free agents, headlined by Jacob deGrom and Brandon Nimmo. But there was a strong argument for the front office to prioritize re-signing superstar closer Edwin Diaz.

On Sunday afternoon, days before free agency opens, the Mets re-signed Diaz to a record-breaking five-year, $102 million contract, according to a source. The deal includes an opt-out, a full no-trade clause, and a sixth-year option that could make the deal worth up to $122 million.

There had been significant buzz in recent weeks that Diaz and the Mets were in talks on a contract to make the right-hander the first $100 million closer in history. This season, Diaz emerged as the best closer in baseball, posting a 1.31 ERA and 118/18 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 62 innings and ranked in the 100th percentile in strikeout rate, xSLG, xBA, xERA and whiff rate.

What does Edwin Diaz extension mean for Mets future?

With Diaz signed, the Mets can now turn their attention toward deGrom and Nimmo. But both negotiations figure to be tricky and expensive. deGrom will seek a three or four-year deal worth north of Max Scherzer’s three-year, $130 million contract and while he has indicated that he would like to remain in New York, he’ll have a number of suitors — including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers, among others.

Nimmo’s negotiation figures to drag out, as his agent, Scott Boras, prefers his players to establish their value on the open market. But he’s expected to draw massive interest in free agency and could command a contract worth well over $100 million.

Which is why re-signing Diaz was so important. With him signed, they can now focus their attention on their other two free-agent stars. But the Diaz contract was pricey — and already has rivals anxious to see how the deal ages.