The Best Closer on Planet Earth Sign With Yankees for a Surprisingly Low Price

With the New York Mets’ recent addition of former Yankees reliever Devin Williams, one question immediately surfaced across the fanbase — does this signal the end of Edwin Díaz’s tenure in Queens?

SNY insider Andy Martino quickly pushed back on that speculation, posting on X that the move “does not take the Mets out of the market for Edwin Díaz” and that the club remains involved, even if a reunion is not guaranteed. His comment provided some reassurance for Mets fans who are not ready to imagine their star closer wearing another uniform.

Still, Williams’ arrival gives the Mets leverage. They no longer need Díaz as desperately, and that creates a more controlled negotiating environment for New York’s front office.

Meanwhile, across town, the Yankees suddenly appear to be a legitimate player in the Díaz sweepstakes. Even with David Bednar in place as their primary ninth-inning option, New York has long emphasized building a deep bullpen. If Díaz becomes available at the right price, the Yankees are widely expected to make a strong push.

A Contract Standoff That Opens the Door for the Yankees

The sticking point between Díaz and the Mets is contract length. According to multiple reports, Díaz is seeking a five-year agreement, while the Mets so far have been willing to go only three years. That gap has fueled concerns that the two sides may ultimately fail to reach an extension — and that Díaz could sign with whichever team offers the full term he wants.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden suggested on December 5 that the Yankees could be that team. Bowden projected that New York would land Díaz on a five-year, $88 million contract, a number lower than many expected. Industry speculation has generally placed Díaz closer to the $100 million range for five years. However, Bowden added that the deal would likely include escalators that push the total value to $100 million.

His prediction instantly energized Yankees fans — and unsettled Mets loyalists — especially given recent cross-town dynamics. In the past few seasons, several high-profile Yankees have left for Queens, including Juan Soto, Devin Williams, and Clay Holmes. A reversal of that trend, with Díaz jumping to the Bronx, would grab national headlines and shift the rivalry narrative.

For now, Díaz remains on the market, Williams is already in Queens, and the Mets are navigating increasingly complex negotiations. But if Bowden is right, the Yankees may be positioned to make one of the most impactful bullpen moves of the offseason — and at a price few expected.