Late last week, the New York Mets received bad news on closer Edwin Diaz.
The right-hander nailed down the save for Team Puerto Rico against the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, but was injured during the celebration.
Diaz will ultimately miss the entire 2023 season as he recovers from knee surgery.
The Mets will eventually have to find a replacement for the All-Star closer, perhaps at the trade deadline.
However, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Mets owner Steve Cohen isn’t in a rush to do that just yet, and says that he isn’t ready to hit the panic button.
Steve Cohen tells us Mets aren’t about to rush to trade for Edwin Diaz replacement (including brother Alexis), suggests they’ll go with what they have. Also talks Alonso deal, Correa try, other owners on full podcast
Apple: https://t.co/FUzkrnnDWk
Spotify: https://t.co/bTB9HfLANa https://t.co/ECIXSjblDv— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 23, 2023
Fortunately, the Mets have some strong in-house options that can get them by until the trade deadline.
Those options include two proven veteran relievers with closing experience in David Robertson and Adam Ottavino.
As of now, Robertson is expected to handle closer duties.
Still, the Mets may find themselves in need of a bullpen arm at some point during the season.
Diaz’s brother Alexis Diaz currently serves as a high-leverage option out of the bullpen of the Cincinnati Reds, and could be of interest to the Mets.
Cohen acknowledged the speculation that a deal could be possible, but appears to not be too worried about things as of now.
Granted, the season hasn’t started yet and won’t for another week, so it’s easy to see why Cohen isn’t terribly concerned.
But Diaz was an All-Star last season and saved 32 games in 61 appearances.
If Robertson and Ottavino don’t pan out, New York will need to make some moves.
