New York Mets Predicted to Replace Edwin Díaz With Yankees 19 Million Free Agent

A Potential Shake-Up in the Mets Bullpen

The New York Mets could be preparing for one of their most significant offseason changes yet. According to multiple MLB insiders, the team is reportedly considering replacing star closer Edwin Díaz with a free agent pitcher formerly of the New York Yankees, valued at $19 million. This prediction, if true, would mark a dramatic shift in the Mets’ bullpen strategy — and possibly ignite a new chapter in the always-electric New York baseball rivalry.

Concerns Surrounding Edwin Díaz’s Long-Term Role

Edwin Díaz returned in 2024 after missing the previous season with a knee injury sustained during the World Baseball Classic. While his return brought excitement, his performance has been inconsistent, leaving fans and front-office executives questioning whether he is still the long-term answer at closer.

Although Díaz’s velocity remains elite, his control has wavered, and his late-inning effectiveness hasn’t fully rebounded. With the Mets aiming to rebuild quickly into a postseason contender, patience may be running thin.

The Yankees Free Agent Catching Mets Attention

The reliever most closely linked to the Mets in recent rumors is Jonathan Loáisiga, who recently became a free agent after an injury-shortened but effective tenure with the Yankees. Despite health concerns, Loáisiga has proven to be a high-leverage arm when healthy, often trusted in tight, late-game situations by Yankees manager Aaron Boone.

Projected to earn around $19 million in free agency, Loáisiga brings the kind of experience, command, and groundball-inducing repertoire that could thrive in Queens. Analysts suggest his skill set may be a better long-term fit for a Mets team that emphasizes infield defense and high-leverage flexibility.

Why the Mets Might Make This Move Now

With owner Steve Cohen committed to building a championship-caliber team, the Mets are not expected to hesitate when bold decisions are required. Swapping out Díaz for a reliable Yankees bullpen arm could offer more consistency and a fresh identity for a team that has struggled in close games.

Financially, the move is feasible. Díaz remains under contract through 2027, but a trade or a reduced role could be in play if the front office believes a change is necessary. The Mets have the resources to absorb or restructure deals and make aggressive offers in free agency.

Fan Reaction Across New York Is Mixed and Intense

Unsurprisingly, the speculation has lit up social media. Mets fans are split — some are ready for a change, while others still believe Díaz can return to his dominant 2022 form. Yankees fans, meanwhile, are watching closely to see whether one of their own will cross town and thrive under new lights.

One Mets fan posted:

“Loáisiga is a beast when healthy. If we can’t trust Díaz in the ninth anymore, I say go for it.”

Another replied:

“Don’t count out Díaz yet. One bad stretch doesn’t erase what he’s done for this team.”

What This Means for the Future of the Mets Bullpen

If this move comes to fruition, the Mets could look to deploy Loáisiga as their full-time closer or as part of a high-leverage committee. The change would bring a new tone to late-inning matchups and potentially give the Mets more flexibility in high-pressure situations.

Pairing him with emerging relievers like Brooks Raley or Drew Smith could stabilize a bullpen that too often collapsed in critical games throughout the 2024 season.

Conclusion A Strategic Gamble That Could Redefine the Mets Identity

The possible replacement of Edwin Díaz with a $19 million Yankees free agent signals more than just a personnel shift — it could mark the beginning of a more aggressive and calculated Mets bullpen strategy. With Steve Cohen’s win-now mindset, big moves like this are not just possible — they’re expected.

Whether fans love it or fear it, one thing is clear: the Mets are once again making headlines, and the city’s baseball balance could be shifting in unexpected ways.