Mets Acquire Closer Edwin Diaz from Diamondbacks

Trade Sends for Gimenez, Widener to Arizona

Relief Pitcher Bolsters Mets' Bullpen

The New York Mets have acquired All-Star closer Edwin Diaz from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for infielder/outfielder Andres Gimenez and pitching prospect Josh Widener, the teams announced Thursday.

Diaz, 28, is one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, having recorded 155 saves and a 2.68 ERA over the past four seasons. He was an All-Star in 2018 and 2019, and he led the National League in saves in 2019 with 58.

The Mets have been in need of a closer since trading Jeurys Familia to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. Diaz will fill that role and give the Mets a formidable bullpen that also includes Seth Lugo, Dellin Betances, and Brad Hand.

Gimenez, 23, is a versatile infielder who can play shortstop, second base, and third base. He batted .269 with 6 home runs and 30 RBIs in 133 games for the Mets last season.

Widener, 24, is a right-handed pitcher who went 8-8 with a 4.03 ERA in 24 starts for the Mets' Double-A affiliate last season. He is considered one of the Mets' top pitching prospects.

The trade is a major win for the Mets, who add a proven closer to their bullpen. Diaz is under contract for two more seasons, and he is expected to be a key part of the Mets' plans to contend for a World Series title in 2023.