MLB Free Agency Rumors: Red Sox Linked To All-Star Closer
Mets closer Edwin Diaz opted out of his contract earlier this month
Yes, here’s another story linking the Boston Red Sox to a free agent from the New York Mets.
No, this one isn’t about first baseman Pete Alonso.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports the Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers are among the potential landing spots for closer Edwin Diaz. But those three American League clubs aren’t alone.
“Díaz gave a return to Queens a ’50-50′ chance at the All-MLB awards,” Heyman reports.
Market Analysis
“While the deep-pocketed Dodgers don’t appear anxious to commit the dollars to lure Díaz (they’ve been linked instead to another New York reliever, Devin Williams, and lesser lights), the (Blue) Jays are emerging as an attractive next choice,” Heyman notes.
That syncs with what USA Today’s Jesse Yomtov is reporting.
“Diaz won’t be without high-level suitors as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays should both be in the market for a top reliever,” Yomtov writes.
How Much?
So how much will it cost to land Diaz?
“Word is Díaz seeks a five-year deal for about the $20M salary of his previous deal, as The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported,” Heyman says. “No one can blame him off his all-world 2025 performance. But a nice compromise would be a four-year arrangement at $20M-plus.”
“There was consensus on Diaz’s last nine-figure contract but he’s three years older now and chasing another deal in the $85-105 million range,” Yomtov adds.
Career Breakdown
Diaz, a three-time All-Star, recorded 28 saves and a 1.63 ERA last season. He posted a career-high and MLB-best 57 saves in 2018 with the Seattle Mariners.
Seattle traded Diaz to the Mets after the 2018 season in the deal which also sent second baseman Robinson Cano to Queens.
Diaz agreed to a record-setting five-year, $102 million contract after the 2022 season. Months after signing the richest deal ever for a reliever, Diaz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee during the World Baseball Classic and missed the 2023 MLB season.
The 31-year-old right-hander opted out of his contract earlier this month to take another swing at free agency.
Why Beantown?
Joining the Red Sox would be an interesting choice for Diaz, since Boston already has 37-year-old closer Aroldis Chapman under contract for 2026. The southpaw signed a one-year, $13.3 million extension for next year which includes a vesting option for 2027.
Chapman, an eight-time All-Star, recorded 32 saves this year while posting a career-low 1.17 ERA.
The Red Sox also have right-hander Garrett Whitlock in the bullpen.
The 29-year-old proved to be one of the best setup men in baseball last season, going 7-3 with with a 2.25 ERA in 62 appearances.
