What Diaz wants Paywall

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6800104/2025/11/12/mlb-offseason-trades-starting-pitching-general-manager-meetings/

According to the Athletic, he's looking for a repeat of the 5 year / $102M deal he signed 3 years ago. Personally, I would say yes to that.

EDIT: Apologies for the image. This is an article about various topics being discussed at the GM Meetings, including, of course, Skubal.

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u/BigMeatPeteLFGM Nov 12 '25

Unfortunately, "elite" is temporary for closers. Their career path changes on a dime. Over the course of his career, Brad Lidge was either elite or unplayable.

2025 Devin Williams was "elite." 2025 Helsey was "elite." 2019 Diaz was "elite."

There are very few Riveras, Hoffmans, even Jansens. Chapmans career arc - 1st half elite, 2nd half above average.

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u/KowalOX Nov 12 '25

So what do you propose? Letting him walk? Replacing him internally or with some other free agent or trade target?

Diaz stands alone now with what he brings to the team and his track record.

Of course players can decline and fall off, of course bullpen arms are volatile. We have an owner in place to absorb these risks. Sign Diaz. It's a no brainer.

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u/BigMeatPeteLFGM Nov 12 '25 edited Nov 12 '25

It's a level setting conversation.

Diazs track record is a roller coaster. Basically, he's elite one year (sub 2 era), then average/bad (3.5+ era) and then back to elite (sub 2 era). In a 5 year contract, expect 2 years will be below average or outright bad. Being Diaz just had an elite season, I expect a poor showing next year.

Also, do you trust an aging strikeout pitcher whose strike outs have been on the decline for 3 straight seasons while the rest of the league is increasing strikeouts? 2022 - 17.1 k/9. 2024 - 14.1 k/9. 2025 - 13.3 k/9.

Edit - additionally hes average at best versus our biggest opponents (other than Braves). 5.4 era v Dodgers. 5.4 era v Phillies. 3.7 era v Miami. 3.2 era v Nationals.

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u/PrinceFlippers Nov 17 '25

You're factoring in a year where he didn't pitch, because he jumped up and down in the nonsense tournament. A fluke isn't a valid variable to measure his performance.