3 Spring Training observations Mets fans should be optimistic about

3) Edwin Diaz continues to prove his arsenal and dominance

The best closer in the major leagues in 2022 has pitched a couple of times in this spring training before leaving to represent his native country, Puerto Rico, in the World Baseball Classic. Diaz, who was coaching this offseason with his brother, potential Cincinnati Reds closer Alexis Diaz, is poised to have another great season in 2023.

Diaz has one strikeout for every inning pitched so far in Spring Training and despite showing some lack of control on some pitches, his WHIP remains below 1.50. His fastball continues to be on display early this preseason with his slider reaching 92 mph.

Last season his slider averaged 90.2 MPH and managed to limit an opposition batting to just .114 and a .134 SLG. This preseason the AVG and SLG allowed is close to last year with just .143 allowing around four hits per nine innings.

Diaz's presence in the Mets bullpen is more than necessary in search of the championship. For this reason, the Mets have decided to take care of his arm and not allow him to pitch in consecutive games in the WBC to avoid any injury and discomfort that may develop in an environment as competitive as that event.