Mets Express Concern About $102 Million Closer's Workload In Upcoming WBC

New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz is set to represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic alongside teammate Francisco Lindor and other MLB players.

While Diaz is eager to help his home country win the tournament, his participation is causing concern within the Mets organization.

There is concern within the Mets’ organization that Edwin Diaz will be asked to pitch on back-to-back days in the WBC — something the Mets do not want, as they ramp up for the 2023 season.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 2, 2023

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Mets are worried about Diaz being asked to pitch on back-to-back days in the WBC, something they want to avoid to ensure he stays healthy for the upcoming season.

The Mets invested a record-breaking five-year, $102 million deal in Diaz, and they don't want to risk him being overworked before the 2023 season begins. 

Edwin Díaz’s slider is sliding 😳 @SNYtv pic.twitter.com/TWS8JGiiJy

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) February 19, 2023

Although Diaz did pitch in consecutive days a few times last season, the Mets were very careful with his usage and always made sure to give him at least a day of rest in between appearances. 

The Mets concern is understandable, after they gave Diaz the largest deal of all-time for a reliever this offseason.

The club, no doubt, has expressed their concerns to Team Puerto Rico and their manager, Yadier Molina, and luckily, Puerto Rico has plenty of other capable high-leverage options, so they should be able to work around it.
Photo Credit:  Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports