Mets' Edwin Diaz has huge expectations for return season

New York Mets All-Star closer Edwin Diaz believes he can and will return to the form that made him the winner of the 2022 Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award.

"I think I will be the same guy," a confident Diaz declared after throwing a bullpen session at spring training on Monday, per Mike Puma of the New York Post. "I know my body and how I have to attack the hitters and how to make pitches … and what I have to do to be successful."

Diaz recorded 32 saves and 118 strikeouts with a 1.31 ERA across 62 innings of work in 2022 en route to earning a five-year, $102M contract from the Mets. However, the 29-year-old brutally suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee while celebrating a Puerto Rico win in the World Baseball Classic last March. 

The 2023 Mets seemingly never recovered emotionally from that shocking event, and team owner Steve Cohen later signed off on a summer fire sale when it became clear the Amazins weren't legitimate contenders. 

To his credit, Diaz recovered from the injury ahead of some schedules and in time to face batters in competitive situations before October. By then, there was no reason for the Mets to risk his long-term health for what would have been a mostly meaningless appearance. 

"I was ready," Diaz insisted about wanting to return to the bump before New York's regular-season finale. "I was feeling great, but the team wasn’t playing good baseball and we couldn’t make the playoffs. So the team backed it up a little bit more and that was good for me because I got a whole year to get ready for 2024."

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns officially accepted the job after the club played its final game of last season and has repeatedly said that Diaz's return to the bullpen is one reason New York can compete for a playoff spot this year. 

"I think we would be better last year if I was pitching," Diaz said Monday about the 2023 squad that finished with a 75-87 record. "The season was tough, with a lot of injuries, a tough season and if I went out there I think I would be able to help them win more games."

Diaz added that he and his teammates "have the same expectation...to make the playoffs" this fall. The hope among Mets fans is that they'll get to hear "Narco" at Citi Field at least once during a postseason game in October.