Sports

This Latino Player Just Became Highest-Paid Reliever in MLB History – Here’s What We Know

Lead Photo: NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 08: Edwin Diaz #39 of the New York Mets delviers during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres in game two of the Wild Card Series at Citi Field on October 08, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 08: Edwin Diaz #39 of the New York Mets delviers during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres in game two of the Wild Card Series at Citi Field on October 08, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

On Sunday (November 6), the New York Mets proved they wanted to keep all-star closer Edwin Díaz on its roster. According to ESPN, the team has made Díaz the highest-paid relief pitcher in MLB history by signing him to a five-year, $102 million contract.

“The trumpets are staying in Queens!” tweeted Major League Baseball (MLB), referencing Díaz’s walk-up song “Narco” by Blasterjaxx and Timmy Trumpet.

ESPN reports that there is “an opt-out and a full no-trade clause, plus a sixth-year option” to the deal. The deal is the first time a closer has ever received a nine-figure contract and the first time someone in Diaz’s position will take home a $20 million-plus paycheck yearly.

Díaz made $10 million this season. His pay bump comes after an incredible 2022 season with the Mets. The Puerto Rican pitcher finished the season with 32 saves, a 1.31 ERA, and 118 strikeouts in 62 innings. The Mets ended the regular season with a 101-61 record, tied with the Atlanta Braves for the best record in the NL East. According to ESPN, the Mets’ bullpen finished 10th in the MLB in ERA.

“Bringing Edwin Díaz back was the no-brainer of the offseason for a Mets team that must essentially build an entire bullpen from scratch,” tweeted Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo on Sunday. “It’s an expensive deal for a reliever, to be sure, but that’s much easier to stomach with a player as well-liked and respected as Díaz.”

In April, Díaz was one of five Mets pitchers who contributed to a combined no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies. It was the first no-hitter of the season and only the second no-hitter in the Mets’ history.