Braves roster move opens up new opportunity for the NY Mets to keep star free agent

The Atlanta Braves just handed the New York Mets an intriguing wrinkle in their offseason. Five players cleared waivers and tucked into that list is Alexis Díaz. His numbers have been disappointing the past two years, but his last name carries weight in Queens. Because when his brother Edwin Díaz holds an opt-out, even the possibility of a family reunion can shift from sentiment to roster strategy.

Edwin is the one piece the Mets absolutely cannot lose. He’s the closer who steadies late innings, the star who makes the ninth feel secure, and the heartbeat of a bullpen that depends on him. If keeping him happy means giving Alexis a spring training shot, there’s no downside. It’s low risk, maybe no reward—but if it nudges Edwin to stay, the gamble pays for itself.

Mets could use a family reunion to solve a big bullpen question this winter

Alexis Díaz’s recent track record reads like a cautionary tale for relievers. After starting the season on the IL with a hamstring injury, he bounced from the Reds to the Dodgers in late May, only to be designated for assignment in September before landing with the Braves. In 2025, he posted a 10.13 ERA, a 1.53 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts in 17.2 innings. Hardly the numbers that scream “bullpen savior.”

But here’s the wrinkle: Alexis wasn’t always a swing-and-miss caution flag. His career began with serious promise, posting a 1.87 ERA and a 32.5% strikeout rate in his rookie season, followed by a 3.07 ERA and a 30.1% strikeout rate in his second year. Back then, he looked every bit the kind of flamethrowing reliever who could carve out late-inning innings with ease. Those flashes are why the Mets might see a spring training invite not as a gamble, but as a potential catalyst.

The real intrigue isn’t just Alexis’ past; it’s the family angle. If having him in camp sparks a reunion with Edwin, maybe some of that early-career magic reappears. Maybe, just maybe, the thought of seeing his brother throw bullpen sessions and chasing fly balls during batting practice inspires Edwin to stick around. It’s a clever little carrot dangling right in front of one of the league’s elite closers, and the Mets could be smart to wave it enticingly.

It’s not about handing Alexis a multi-year deal or expecting fireworks immediately. It’s about low-risk experimentation, mentorship, and, above all, giving the Mets’ bullpen ace every reason to stay in Queens. Sometimes, the smartest offseason moves are the simplest: keep the family together and see what unfolds.