The Mets don’t just stumble into chaos; they practically script it. And when whispers reach David Stearns, the stakes are always real. Francisco Alvarez, the tough young catcher who once played as if he had “eight fingers,” now finds his future up for debate. Meanwhile, the franchise is under pressure to handle with care a $102 million arm that defines their delicate equilibrium.

The New York Mets were expected to clinch a postseason berth—at minimum, that was the consensus. But they have fallen far short, and things could deteriorate further if they miss a Wild Card spot. Rumors about who will stay and who will leave are already circulating. In a recent interview, insider Jon Heyman commented, “Edwin Diaz. Let’s not touch him. He’s got nothing to do with the bad chemistry, and he’s the one pitcher who’s been good from beginning to end… I give Alvarez credit. Uh, he’s a tough guy… I think he’s got great value. Uh, that’s where I would start.”

Edwin Díaz has anchored the team’s bullpen, returning from his 2023 injury to post a sparkling 1.79 ERA in 2025 over 58 games, with an impressive 91 strikeouts in 60.1 innings. His dominance traces back to 2022, when he fanned 118 hitters with a jaw-dropping 17.1 K/9 rate. Díaz has remained above the clubhouse issues, delivering consistency as others faltered. This reliability cements him as the rotation’s backbone—the $102 million arm keeping hope alive.

Francisco Alvarez, on the other hand, has demonstrated resilience, hitting .257 with nine home runs and a 118 OPS+ in 2025 despite nagging injuries. Still, his bat has been inconsistent, as reflected in his .209 average in 2023 and a modest .710 OPS in 2024. The Mets may opt to trade Alvarez to leverage his current value while Díaz remains essential. Such a deal could free up resources, reshape the locker room, and inject some much-needed leadership into a team craving stability.

And so, the Mets’ conundrum becomes clearer: Díaz is untouchable, Alvarez is tradeable, and confusion is the rule. If this front office has taught observers anything, it’s that stability is as fleeting as a reliever’s stay. Moving Alvarez could steady the clubhouse—but risks undermining tomorrow’s heartbeat. Yet, these are the Mets, a franchise able to weave salvation into a subplot. Fans recognize the pattern: drama comes first, destiny second, with baseball somewhere in between.

The Mets want Edwin Diaz as a player, but it might not go in their favor

In Queens, nothing about the Mets comes easily—not playoff ambitions, the bullpen, or contracts. Edwin Díaz has pitched his way into an elite tier: the kind of closer rival teams covet and general managers begrudge. Now, the Mets are faced with the challenge of retaining their star closer, fully aware that loyalty has its price.

Díaz is in the third year of his five-year, $102 million deal, signed before the 2023 season, and he carries an opt-out clause that could allow him to become a free agent this offseason. His 2025 campaign has been electrifying, boasting a 1.85 ERA, 26 saves, and 87 strikeouts—further establishing himself as one of baseball’s top relievers. Analysts project Díaz could seek a four-year, $70.4 million contract, or about $18 million per year, making him an expensive retention for a Mets bullpen that has seen recent additions underperform. For fans, it’s a blend of excitement and anxiety: the relief of possibly keeping Díaz, and the dread of what it would mean should he depart.

For the Mets, keeping Díaz is more complex than it appears. Queens fans know that premium arms come with hefty price tags—and sometimes, intricate contract clauses. Edwin Díaz has become both the team’s lifeline and luxury, demanding careful handling by the front office. Whether he stays or tests free agency, one thing remains certain: in New York, even the best closers are never truly insulated from the mayhem.