Buck Showalter Hints at Next Closer in Edwin Diaz Absence

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(New York, NY) — Skipper Buck Showalter finally gave New York Met fans closure on who could save games in Edwin Díaz’s absence this season.

His answer? No answer.

The Mets manager said Wednesday that he doesn’t plan to name a closer in Díaz’s absence. Showalter added that he can see one pitcher getting the bulk of the save chances, specifically highlighting veteran David Robertson as the candidate with the “strongest background.” The 37-year-old has 157 career saves, and pitched to a impressive 2.40 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 63.2 innings last year between the Cubs and Phillies.

Feb 25, 2023; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher David Robertson (30) throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

However, Showalter also noted that Adam Ottavino, Brooks Raley and even Drew Smith could receive the occasionally opportunity. While Robertson remains the favorite for saves, it sounds like New York will move forward with some sort of closer by committee.

New York Post’s Jon Heyman suggested that a trade for Diaz’s brother, Alexis (Cincinnati Reds) also could be in the cards. Red Sox stopper Kenley Jansen is another.

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Alexis Diaz (43) winds up to deliver a pitch in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. The Cubs led 1-0 in the top of the sixth inning. The Reds won 3-2 on a walk-off double off the bat of third baseman Spencer Steer.
Chicago Cubs At Cincinnati Reds

Diaz, 29, likely will miss the entirety of the season after tearing his patella tendon in the World Baseball Classic.

“Look,” Showalter said, “in my opinion, Edwin had the greatest season of any closer in the history of baseball last year. I would challenge anyone to come up with a greater one. “To be honest, even before his injury I had already prepared for the fact that he wouldn’t be able to replicate what he did last year.”

Dia loss is monumental blow for a team with World Series aspirations. The Mets open the regular season in Miami on Thursday afternoon.