The New York Mets have had a strong start to the 2021 season, but there is one area of concern that is looming over the team – the closer position. After acquiring Edwin Diaz in 2018, the Mets were hoping to solidify their bullpen and have a reliable closer for years to come. However, things have not gone according to plan and the team may now be searching for a new closer if Diaz does not return to his former dominant self.
Diaz, who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners in a blockbuster trade, was expected to be the Mets’ answer to their closer woes. He had a stellar 2018 season with the Mariners, recording 57 saves and earning an All-Star selection. However, since joining the Mets, Diaz has not been able to replicate that success. In his first season with the team, he recorded 26 saves but also blew seven save opportunities and had an ERA of 5.59. Last season, he improved slightly with a 1.75 ERA but only recorded six saves in the shortened season.
This season, the Mets have once again put their trust in Diaz, but the results have been mixed. He has recorded 14 saves so far, but has also blown four save opportunities and has an ERA of 4.26. While it is still early in the season, the Mets cannot afford to have a shaky closer if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs. This has led to speculation that the team may be looking for a new closer if Diaz does not turn things around.
One potential option for the Mets could be a $80 million arm – Craig Kimbrel. The 32-year-old right-hander is currently playing for the Chicago Cubs, but with the team in the midst of a rebuild, they may be willing to part ways with Kimbrel for the right price. The Mets have the financial resources to take on Kimbrel’s contract, and his experience and track record make him an attractive option for the team.
Kimbrel has been one of the most dominant closers in baseball since his debut in 2010. He has recorded 358 saves in his career and has a career ERA of 2.04. He is a seven-time All-Star and has won the Rolaids Relief Man Award three times. Kimbrel also has postseason experience, having won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018.
Bringing in a pitcher of Kimbrel’s caliber would not only strengthen the Mets’ bullpen, but it would also provide some much-needed stability in the closer role. With a proven track record and the ability to handle pressure situations, Kimbrel could be the missing piece that the Mets need to solidify their bullpen and make a serious push for the playoffs.
Of course, acquiring Kimbrel would come at a cost. The Mets would have to part ways with some of their top prospects and take on his hefty contract. However, with the team’s current window of contention, it may be a risk worth taking. The Mets have a strong core of players and adding a reliable closer like Kimbrel could be the final piece of the puzzle to help them reach their ultimate goal – a World Series championship.
It is also worth noting that the Mets have a history of making big moves at the trade deadline. In 2015, they acquired Yoenis Cespedes and he played a crucial role in the team’s run to the World Series. In 2019, they traded for Marcus Stroman to bolster their starting rotation. If they were to make a move for Kimbrel, it would not be out of character for the Mets to make a big splash and go all-in on their playoff hopes.
In conclusion, while Edwin Diaz has shown flashes of his former self, the Mets cannot afford to have an inconsistent closer if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs. With an $80 million arm like Craig Kimbrel potentially available, the Mets would be wise to consider him as an option. His experience, track record, and ability to handle pressure situations make him an attractive option for the team. The Mets have the resources and the motivation to make a move for Kimbrel, and it could be the move that propels them to postseason success.
