Ranking the 5 best Edwin Diaz replacements for the NY Mets in the closer role

With the reports that Edwin Diaz will be seeking Edwin Diaz money this offseason, there's a real chance that the New York Mets will decline to offer him another $100+ million deal after he opted out of the back half of his current $100 million deal.

And while he might not crack nine figures again, the stars have aligned for most big market teams to have a need in the ninth, and several who won't be scared off by the qualifying offer penalty attached to him.

Closers are important, but at the end of the day, it's still more or less a part-time job compared to a starting pitcher who will log three times as many innings or a position player who plays every day, and it's not like there aren't some pretty decent alternatives on the market. To that end, let's take a look at the top five guys the Mets could pivot to in the event Diaz leaves, starting from the bottom and working our way up to No. 1.

These are the Mets' five best closer alternatives to Edwin Diaz

5. Raisel Iglesias

This year was a tale of two halves for Raisel Iglesias, who struggled in the first half and posted a 4.42 ERA before righting the ship with an absolutely dominant 1.76 ERA after the All-Star break.

While his slow start might have been the first sign of decline for the 35-year-old, his track record, which includes a career-best 1.95 ERA in 2024, should give you confidence that he can still get it done.

As an added bonus, he's familiar with the NL East, and stealing him away from the rival Atlanta Braves would be extra sweet.

4. Kyle Finnegan

Kyle Finnegan might not be an elite option, but he's one of the best second-tier options out there. The long-time Washington National looked lethargic at times in the Nation's Capital, posting a 4.38 ERA in DC, but being thrust into a playoff race rejuvenated him with a 1.50 ERA and 1.97 FIP after being dealt to the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline.

Overall, Finnegan has been pretty consistent, with ERAs spanning 2.92 to 3.76 throughout his career. He's worked both as a closer and a setup man, recording a career high 38 saves and earning an All-Star nod in 2024.

Spotrac projects Finnegan to get a two-year deal that's just a hair under $20 million, making him one of the more affordable choices on the market.

3. Kenley Jansen

There was a point in time when Kenley Jansen was the most dominant closer in baseball. His 2017 season, when he posted a 1.32 ERA, stands out as a 2022 Edwin Diaz-like effort.

At 38 years old, he's no longer that superhuman relief ace, but his 2025 season, in which he posted a 2.59 ERA for the hapless Los Angeles Angels, shows he's still got some gas left in the tank. Aside from that, Jansen has extra motivation.

He'll enter 2026 with 476 career saves, just two shy of Lee Smith for third all-time, and on a quest for 500 as he puts the finishing touches on his Hall of Fame candidacy. His position in the history books could work to the Mets' advantage, as he's likely only interested in playing for a winner so he can maximize his opportunity to rack up saves.

With all of that said, he's likely looking at a one-year, moderately priced deal, which is a good or bad thing depending on what your appetite is to search for a new closer again next offseason.

2. Robert Suarez

Robert Suarez not being the clear best non-Diaz option might come as a surprise, but there are some reasons why he falls to No. 2 on the list.

First, he's projected to land a contract in the $70-$80 million range, making him only a couple bucks cheaper than Diaz in all likelihood. Next is the fact that he's three years older than Diaz, as well as the man who ranks No.1 on our list.

Suarez has been very good the past two seasons, but he was a late bloomer who cut his teeth in Japan's NPB before coming stateside when he was 31, landing with the San Diego Padres. He only has two years of closing experience, so if the price is similar, there's no reason to choose him over Diaz if the money is, in fact, comparable.

1. Pete Fairbanks

Of all the options on this list, Fairbanks is the one who looks and feels most like Edwin Diaz. Like Diaz, Fairbanks possesses a high-octane fastball and wipeout slider. While his strikeout numbers haven't been astronomical in recent years, he does have a history of posting gaudy K-rates like Diaz, too.

He's also the same age, and his fiery demeanor is exactly what you want to see from a ninth-inning fireman. It's a shock that he's on the market, but now that he's here, his projected price is around $13 to $14 million, which is looking like a bargain compared to Diaz.

His presence on the market could serve to drive down Diaz's price as he adds a third elite performer to go alongside Diaz and Suarez. Specific to the Mets, his pedigree coming up with the Tampa Bay Rays and his more affordable price tag might make him even more attractive to David Stearns than Diaz is.