Edwin “Sugar” Díaz is a free agent after opting out of his contract with the New York Mets, the team announced Monday. The 31-year-old right-handed closer is poised too be a highly sought-after player on the open market.
Díaz finished the recently concluded season with a 6-3 record, a 1.63 ERA, 98 strikeouts, and 28 saves in 66.1 innings pitched.
In November 2022, Díaz signed a historic five-year, $102 million contract with the Mets – the largest deal ever for a Major League reliever. The contract included a $12 million signing bonus and deferred payments, as well as player options for $18.5 million in both 2026 and 2027. The Mets held a team option for 2028 with a $1 million buyout.
Díaz’s departure creates a significant need in the Mets bullpen. The team finished the 2024 season with an 83-79 record and did not qualify for the postseason.