The New York Mets have parted ways with three fan favorites this winter in Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Diaz. But it’s perhaps the latter whose departure was the most heartbreaking given the sequence of events which led up to Diaz signing a three-year, $69 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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The Mets got to work early in bolstering the bullpen by signing Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million contract on the first day of December. Diaz — who spent seven seasons with the Mets — was not informed about the signing.
During contract negotiations, the Mets were unwilling to meet Diaz’s criteria for a contract while the Dodgers improved their offer to secure the All-Star closer.
In his introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium, Diaz’s comments on his free agency process were telling.
“I spent seven years in New York. They treated me really good, they treated me great. And I chose the Dodgers because they are a winning organization. I’m looking to win and I think they have everything to win,” Diaz said.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale believes the Mets should have given Diaz a call during their pursuit of Devin Williams. In an appearance on Foul Territory, Nightengale explained how the Mets’ situation with Diaz was similar to the Atlanta Braves’ treatment of Freddie Freeman (who also coincidentally landed with the Dodgers).
“I think he deserved that phone call after everything he’s done for the Mets being with them for seven years. And just like you said Scott, just explain to him it to him. Hey, we’re not signing him to replace you, but just to help you out. We saw that a few years ago in Atlanta with Freddie Freeman when they trade for Matt Olson and he had no idea. He was kind of blindsided by that.
“I guess it was kind of the same thing with Diaz, like I’m out of here too. I’m not coming back for the same amount of years as you’re giving Devin Williams, I deserve at least a four or five-year deal. So I think just a little bit of hurt feelings. Can you at least give me a phone to call to let me know what’s happening here?”
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