The New York Mets are making waves in the offseason, and it’s not just about Edwin Diaz. But here’s where it gets intriguing: while negotiations with Diaz are ongoing, the Mets are quietly exploring other high-profile closers, signaling they’re not putting all their eggs in one basket. Earlier reports hinted at their interest in Devin Williams, but this is the part most people miss—they’ve also been in frequent talks with Robert Suarez’s representatives, making them the first team publicly linked to him this winter. Could Suarez be the Mets’ Plan B, or is there more to this strategy?
Let’s break it down. Both Diaz and Williams are entering their age-32 seasons, while Suarez turns 35 in March. Age is a factor, no doubt, but it might not be the deal-breaker you’d think. Suarez’s age could actually be a selling point for teams wary of long-term commitments to relievers. For instance, Diaz is reportedly seeking a deal similar to his previous five-year, $102MM contract, but the Mets seem to prefer something shorter. Suarez, on the other hand, might be looking at a three-year, $48MM contract—a ceiling that aligns perfectly with teams like the Mets who want elite talent without the lengthy commitment.
And this is where it gets controversial: Is Suarez’s age a red flag, or is it a strategic advantage? Raisel Iglesias, who turns 36 in January, recently signed a one-year, $16MM deal with the Braves. Some argue he prioritized returning to Atlanta over waiting for a multi-year offer. But Suarez seems confident in his market value, having opted out of the final two years and $16MM on his Padres contract. His 98.6mph fastball, 2.97 ERA, and 27.9% strikeout rate in 2025 suggest he’s far from slowing down. Over two seasons as San Diego’s closer, he’s converted 76 of 87 save opportunities and earned two NL All-Star nods. Even in the postseason, he’s been stellar, posting a 2.45 ERA over 14 2/3 innings.
So, here’s the question: Are the Mets onto something by targeting Suarez, or are they settling for a shorter-term solution? And for Suarez, is age truly just a number, or will it limit his market potential? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
