3 years agoComing off an incredible 2020 campaign, New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz finished seventh in saves in MLB with 32, to go with a 3.45 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 89 strikeouts over 62 2/3 innings pitched in 2021. Although Diaz saw his ERA rise to 3.45 from the minuscule 1.75 posted in 2020, his xERA was 2.64 (in the top 5% of MLB) indicating that Diaz was somewhat unlucky. Diaz's numbers were also supported by an elite xwOBA against of .251, which was tied for 12th in MLB, and a 47.9% whiff rate which was in the top 5% of MLB. Diaz continued to struggle with his control at times, exemplified by an 8.9% walk rate (bottom 40% in all of MLB), which led to some epic meltdowns during the season. Heading into 2022, Diaz nevertheless remains an elite relief option in all formats where he is locked into the Mets closer role. He should continue to provide excellent strikeout numbers supported by elite whiff rates, solid ratios, and a large number of saves on a competitive Mets team. As one of the remaining elite closing options in a league that has largely gone to committees, Diaz's current ADP of 70 correctly reflects his potential as a relief ace in 2022. Managers need only be wary of the surprise meltdown he is sometimes susceptible to thanks to occasional control issues.--Nick Ritrivi - RotoBaller