The New York Mets have had a strong start to the 2021 season, thanks in part to their talented closer, Edwin Diaz. However, with Diaz’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Mets may be on the lookout for a new closer. And one name that has been circulating as a potential option is that of an $80 million arm.
Diaz has been a key player for the Mets since joining the team in 2019. In his first season with the team, he recorded 26 saves and had an impressive 1.96 ERA. Last year, he continued to dominate on the mound, recording 50 strikeouts in just 25 innings pitched. His performance has been crucial in securing wins for the Mets and solidifying their bullpen.
But with Diaz’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Mets may have to start looking for a new closer. And one name that has been mentioned as a potential option is that of Liam Hendriks, the $80 million arm.
Hendriks has been a standout closer for the Oakland Athletics over the past few years. In 2020, he recorded 14 saves and had an impressive 1.78 ERA. He also had an impressive strikeout rate of 37.5%, making him one of the most dominant closers in the league. His performance earned him a spot in the All-Star game and the American League Reliever of the Year award.
But what makes Hendriks a potential option for the Mets is not just his impressive stats, but also his experience. He has been a closer for the past three seasons and has proven himself to be reliable and consistent. He has also shown the ability to handle high-pressure situations, making him a valuable asset for any team.
Another factor that makes Hendriks an attractive option for the Mets is his age. At 32 years old, he is in the prime of his career and has shown no signs of slowing down. This means that the Mets could potentially have a long-term solution at the closer position if they were to sign him.
Of course, signing Hendriks would come at a cost. His $80 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, which he signed in the offseason, makes him one of the highest-paid closers in the league. But for a team like the Mets, who have shown a willingness to spend money on top talent, this may not be a deterrent.
In fact, signing Hendriks could be a smart investment for the Mets. With their strong starting rotation and solid lineup, the team has the potential to make a deep playoff run. And having a reliable closer like Hendriks could be the missing piece that helps them reach the World Series.
But it’s not just about the potential success on the field. Signing Hendriks could also have a positive impact on the team’s morale and chemistry. His experience and leadership could help guide the younger players and bring a winning mentality to the team.
Of course, there are other options that the Mets could explore if Diaz does not return. They could look to their own bullpen for a potential closer, or they could explore the trade market. But with Hendriks’ impressive track record and experience, he seems like the most logical choice for the Mets.
In conclusion, the New York Mets could be searching for a new closer if Edwin Diaz does not return. And while there are other options available, the $80 million arm of Liam Hendriks seems like the most promising choice. His impressive stats, experience, and leadership make him a valuable asset for any team, and the Mets would be lucky to have him on their roster. So let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that we see Hendriks in a Mets uniform next season.
