The New York Mets are going to have one of the busiest offseasons this time around. This time, it will not just be about going and getting new players back into the team; it will be about re-signing major players who were a big part of the clubhouse and will help them in the coming season. And looking at how things have started, it has not been smooth. And one of the most important re-signings will be that of Edwin Diaz, and his recent move demanded something the Mets are thinking twice about.

We all know that Edwin Diaz was given the qualifying offer of $22.5 million, but he rejected it. Because he believes that he deserves much more. And according to reports by SleeperMets, “Edwin Diaz is looking for a 5-year deal around $20 million/year, which is similar to his previous contract, per @JonHeyman.” Will the Mets will be willing to fill the $77.5 million gap in the middle will be a big question, because the Red Sox are not going to sit back and watch this unfold.

Edwin Díaz declined the Mets’ qualifying offer worth 22.025 million for one season today. He seeks a five-year contract near 100 million that guarantees long-term security. His season featured a 1.63 ERA with 98 strikeouts across 66.1 innings overall. Fans understand his price reflects performance instead of uncertainty after leaving 38 million unclaimed.

The Mets face limited bullpen depth after several relievers entered free agency this winter. Internal discussions continue, but hesitation allows serious contenders like the Boston Red Sox to monitor opportunities. Boston has Chapman under contract and views Díaz as an ideal partner for late innings. A quick move by Boston could remove Díaz from negotiations before New York reacts properly.

Letting Edwin Díaz leave forces New York to replace elite production while rebuilding other areas. His 144 career saves with the Mets underline long-term value at baseball’s highest leverage. Every passing week increases market pressure and raises the risk of losing the preferred closing option. Mets’ stability depends on resolving his contract quickly to protect postseason ambitions next year.

The New York Mets still control the ending here because Edwin Díaz will not wait forever. Boston is watching the hesitation like a shopper holding a credit card near the counter. If Steve Cohen blinks, Chapman and Díaz might be celebrating in Fenway instead of Queens.

The Mets get another bad news about a star free agent starter

At this point, Mets fans might want to bubble-wrap whatever optimism they have left. Every time David Stearns so much as looks at a top-tier arm, the universe seems to answer with a brick wall. And just when everyone thought the offseason couldn’t toss another curveball, here comes the latest setback. The chase for real rotation help goes on, but New York just took another punch in the ribs.

The New York Mets have shown pronounced interest in Freddy Peralta to strengthen their rotation, highlighting his 2025 tally of a 17-6 record, 2.70 ERA, and 204 strikeouts. The Mets needed such a front-line starter because their pitching reliably undercut their postseason ambitions this year. With Peralta projected at just around $8 million under a team option for 2026, his price is well below typical elite-starter market values.

However, the update from the Milwaukee Brewers, that they exercised Freddy Peralta’s $8 million option and are signalling intent to keep him, constitutes bad news for the Mets’ pursuit. If the Mets cannot acquire him, they will miss out on a high-value starter whose elite 176.2 innings in 2025 and durable career profile offered rare rotation certainty. If the Mets cannot acquire him, they will miss out on a high-value starter whose elite 176.2 innings in 2025 and durable career profile offered rare rotation certainty.

David Stearns now knows the Mets are not losing a bidding war; they are losing availability. Freddy Peralta staying in Milwaukee turns a calculated pursuit into another offseason scavenger hunt. If New York wants real pitching help, the universe clearly wants receipts before handing over mercy.