MLB Rumors: Mets Have Star Closer On Trade Radar

The New York Mets have been struggling big-time of late. And it certainly can't all be blamed on the absence of closer Edwin Diaz for the entire season. But nevertheless, New York baseball insider Jon Heyman says his sources tell him that the Mets are keeping a close eye on Edwin's little brother as a closing replacement.

According to a source, Mets scouts have been tracking Reds star closer Alexis Diaz, who is 14-for-14 in saves. The Mets’ biggest issue is an underperforming offense. But relief depth is probably issue No. 2, and adding a closer to combine with David Robertson — especially Edwin Diaz’s brother — would be huge.

Could Diaz replace Diaz for the Mets?

NEWS: According to @JonHeyman, the #Mets have been scouting #Reds closer Alexis Díaz.

“No trade talk yet, but the resurgent Reds would seek young pitching back.” #LGM pic.twitter.com/JNFn94nDML
— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) June 9, 2023

The younger Diaz was 5th in Rookie of the Year balloting last season, pitching sort of under the radar for the last-place Reds. But he posted a 1.84 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP with 10 saves and 11.7 K/9.

This season, Alexis has ramped it up with full-time closing duties for the resurgent Reds, with even better numbers thus far. 14 saves, a 1.48 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and a ridiculous 17 K/9. Even his All-Star big bro would be proud of those stats (and are actually similar to what Edwin put up last season for the Mets).

But make no mistake, it would take a huge haul to pry Diaz loose from the Reds, who just might have visions of the playoffs dancing in their heads in the weak NL Central Division. Cinci is 29-35 but only 5.0 games back of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers.

The Mets, meanwhile, are now 9.5 games back in the NL East, and will have to do without the majors' home run leader for a while.

Photo: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports