In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, the decisions made by managers can often define a team’s postseason fate. For Carlos Mendoza, the manager of the New York Mets, his unconventional approach to utilizing his closer, Edwin Diaz, has sparked debate and scrutiny. Rather than automatically calling upon Diaz in the traditional ninth-inning role, Mendoza opts to deploy his best reliever when the opposing team’s most potent hitters are due up, regardless of the inning. This strategy aligns perfectly with contemporary baseball analytics, which increasingly emphasize matchups over traditional roles.
The crux of the matter, however, boils down to one pivotal question: Is Edwin Diaz still the best reliever for the Mets? While Mendoza has consistently referred to Diaz as “my guy,” suggesting a vote of confidence, the reality is more complex. Diaz, who boasts a track record that includes being one of the highest-paid relievers in MLB history, is facing scrutiny after a few concerning outings.
Recent performances have led to whispers of doubt. After a disastrous appearance in Game 2 against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he surrendered three runs and ultimately lost the lead, even some scouts began to question his effectiveness. A notable observation from a rival scout underscores a potential silver lining: perhaps Diaz will perform better at home in Citi Field, where the familiar comforts and supportive atmosphere could rekindle his confidence. “I do think the Citi Field adrenaline will assist,” the scout remarked, evoking the iconic “trumpets” that signal Diaz’s entrance.
Yet, the challenges facing Diaz are multifaceted. Analysis from seasoned scouts points to several key issues that have plagued his recent outings. Firstly, there’s his fastball. One scout noted, “He can’t throw his fastball for a strike. He’s clearly fighting himself, especially on his fastball. Too many sliders.” In fact, of the 25 pitches he threw in that fateful game, 17 were sliders—a clear indication that he may be over-relying on his secondary pitch.
Further complicating matters is the apparent decline in the effectiveness of his slider, which another scout attributed to possible fatigue. It’s worth noting that Diaz’s workload has been substantial; he threw 130 pitches over an eight-day stretch leading up to Game 2. While he had two days off before the game, the cumulative stress on his arm could be taking its toll.
Command issues have also been a consistent theme in scouts’ assessments. Diaz’s inability to consistently locate his fastball has drawn comparisons to earlier struggles in the season, suggesting a persistent challenge that he must overcome to regain his form. Moreover, the psychological aspect cannot be overlooked—his confidence seems to fluctuate, which can be detrimental for any pitcher, especially in high-leverage situations.
Mendoza’s decision-making comes under scrutiny when considering the alternatives. The Mets’ bullpen has been a carousel of inconsistency, with several candidates for high-leverage roles but no clear substitute for Diaz. The team made strategic choices during the trade deadline, opting not to pursue established closers, which may haunt them now. Teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres capitalized on the market, acquiring proven relievers while the Mets stood pat, hampered by their position in the standings.
Despite the mounting concerns, it appears that Diaz remains Mendoza’s best option. His past performances, including pivotal moments that led the Mets to the postseason, still hold significant weight. After all, he did strike out the formidable Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner in Game 2, showcasing flashes of his elite ability before the wheels came off.
As the Mets prepare to face the Phillies in the next chapter of their postseason run, the team finds itself at a crossroads. Will Diaz rise to the occasion, silencing the doubts and reclaiming his status as the dominant reliever the Mets need? Or will the questions surrounding his effectiveness continue to loom large, potentially jeopardizing the team’s championship aspirations? For now, the answer lies in the balance, as the drama of October baseball unfolds.
