4 years agoOn Tuesday, New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz stated that his preparation and mindset for the 2021 season is to be the team's closer. After a shaky 2019, Diaz put together an incredible 2020 campaign. While his overall 2020 save total of six was low, and he did lose the role for a brief time early in the season, Diaz still posted a 1.75 ERA, and a 1.25 WHIP, to go with 50 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings pitched. These numbers were supported by an elite xBA of .156, and xwOBA of .234. Although manager Luis Rojas previously stated he won't formally commit to naming Diaz the closer, there is no doubt that Diaz will begin the 2021 campaign as the Mets' closer. If he maintains the role by limiting the ninth inning issues he had in 2019 (and the early part of 2020), Diaz should accumulate a huge number of saves on a very competitive Mets team in 2021. He is justifiably being taken as one of the first closers off of 2021 draft boards.--Nick Ritrivi - RotoBaller
Source: Mike Puma on Twitter