By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
It appears that Edwin Diaz has quickly fallen off the Red Sox’ radar.
As reported by Alex Speier of the Boston Globe on Monday, the Mets reliever sounds unlikely to be headed to the Red Sox before the July 31 trade deadline. New York’s asking price seems too rich for the Sox, who don’t appear willing to give up top prospects. A less significant trade is more probable at this point.
From Speier:
“One person familiar with the Red Sox’ thinking suggested that they felt a smaller deal to supplement the bullpen was more likely than a target who would come with long-term control such as Diaz; another evaluator familiar with both organizations didn’t see a great fit between the Sox and Mets.”
Jul 16, 2019; Minneapolis, MN: New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. (Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports)
Diaz is dirt-cheap ($607K salary) and under team control through the 2022 season, making him extra-attractive (and expensive) along with his talent and stuff. Dave Dombrowski likely hoped Diaz would come in at a discount because of his struggles in his first season with the Mets (1-6, 4.95 ERA). So that’s probably not happening now.
Speier’s report does suggest, however, that a trade for a reliever will be coming. Just expect it to be more along the lines of the Andrew Cashner trade as a bullpen depth addition. If that’s the move, then Dombrowski and the Red Sox are likely to stick with Nathan Eovaldi in the closer role for the rest of the season.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.