Copyright newsweek
The New York Mets are going to be shopping for a closer this winter as many of the organization’s back-end bullpen arms are becoming free agents. While the team has almost zero interest in bringing back Ryan Helsley, who admitted he underestimated being traded, Tylor Rogers was also a rental acquisition. However, the biggest loss of all is closer Edwin Díaz, who is set to test the open market in the offseason. Díaz is projected to sign a contract worth $88 million, which is deserved given his recent success with the Mets, but David Stearns has a lot of holes to fill in the roster. If money gets tight to address all of the team needs, New York could turn to other options. Jim Bowden lists the Mets as one of the best fits for Padres closer Robert Suarez. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 21: Robert Suarez #75 of the San Diego Padres throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Rate Field on September 21, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) “Suarez and Díaz will be the most sought-after closers in this year’s class,” Bowden wrote for The Athletic. “Suarez led the NL with 40 saves, posting a 2.97 ERA with 75 strikeouts over 69 2/3 innings. He logged a 2.17 ERA during the second half of the season with 32 strikeouts and only four walks in 29 innings. The Padres are expected to move on from Suarez because they’re unwilling to commit to the long-term contract and dollars he’s expected to get in free agency. Mason Miller, acquired at the trade deadline, will take over as the Padres’ full-time closer next year, and they feel their strong bullpen depth will be enough if Suarez departs. Best team fits: Padres, Mets, Dodgers, Yankees, Braves, Red Sox, Tigers.” Bowden does predict Suarez to sign a four-year deal worth $80 million. While that may not seem like much of a savings for the Mets, $8 million could be almost half of the yearly salary for a quality hitter or top-of-the-line starting pitcher. Unfortunately for the Mets, there are not many high-end closer options on the market this winter, which will lead to a bidding war for Suarez and Díaz. New York could turn to Andrés Muñoz if it is unsuccessful in landing either of the previously mentioned names, but the Mets won’t give up easily when it comes to negotiating for those players. An elite closer is one area the Mets know they can’t go cheap with in the offseason as contenders need to have an arm in the bullpen they can turn to at any time. Given his familiarity with the organization, it would make sense that Díaz is Plan A for the Mets, but they need to be prepared in the event that he does not return as the New York Yankees could have their eyes on him. More MLB: Mets Listed as ‘Best Fit’ for $154 Million Japanese Pitcher
