The New York Yankees lost Juan Soto to their crosstown rival last season. They may be interested in a couple of the New York Mets free agents this offseason.
Pete Alonso would be a great fit for the Yankees, and he is expected to be one of the most coveted free agents on the market. However, there is another Mets player who could intrigue the Yankees should he hit free agency. Edwin Díaz has the option. to opt out of his deal and hit the open market.
He has $18.5 million player options for the next two seasons and has a $20.5 million club option in 2028 if he does not opt out this offseason. However, considering how he has played recently, he could earn more on a new deal. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden projects him to earn a four-year, $88 million deal if he opts out. Bowden also tabbed the Yankees as a fit for him.
The Yankees acquired Devin Williams last winter in hopes of him being their closer. He did not find success in that role and the Yankees were forced to acquire David Bednar at the trade deadline as a result. He thrived as the closer, and Camilo Doval also gives them an option to close games. However, Díaz is arguably the best closer in baseball.
He was an All-Star this year and looked like he did before his injury that kept him out in 2023. He had a 1.63 ERA and 28 saves. He was not as sharp last year, but after a full year removed from his injury, he looked like a superstar once again. Even if he opts out, the Mets may be considered favorites to keep him. However, they also may have to spend on other parts of their roster, limiting their ability to pay Díaz more.
