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Edwin Diaz 2019 Outlook- To Build On 2018 Season
6 years agoNew York Mets closer Edwin Diaz was one of four closers to finish in the top 10 of saves in each of the past two seasons. Even though Diaz was set as the closer for the Mariners coming into 2018, he was also coming off of a 2017 season where he had a 4.02 FIP, allowed 1.4 home runs per nine, and walked 4.4 batters per nine. 34 saves were nice, as were his 12.1 strikeouts per nine, but he did take a step back from his electric 2016 season.
Turning the page to 2018, Diaz did better than his 2016 season, where he struck out 88 batters in 51 2/3 innings while posting a 2.79 ERA, putting up one of the most dominant seasons from a relief pitcher ever. His 57 saves were the eye catcher for sure, but he also had a 1.61 FIP to go along with his 1.96 ERA and struck out 124 batters in 73 1/3 innings. He allowed just 41 hits in 2018 and posted a 0.79 WHIP, slashing his walk rate by more than half to 2.1 per nine.
Diaz is the top closer leading into the 2019 season, even with the move to New York, as the Mets will put him in the position to save 40 or more games. Even if the walks do return, he has walked three batters per nine throughout his professional career, Diaz's strikeout potential will mitigate any walk issues.
