Jake

Diekman

Diekman predictably passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment earlier this week and will head to free agency in search of a new opportunity. The 37-year-old southpaw notched four saves this season for the Mets to go along with a lackluster 5.63 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and a 40/24 K/BB ratio across 32 innings (43 appearances).

The 37-year-old southpaw was once considered a key cog in the Mets’ bullpen, but after registering a 5.63 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and a 40/24 K/BB ratio across 32 innings, the club had seen enough. There’s a chance that he could generate interest on waivers or be dealt to a team in need of bullpen help. Matt Gage was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move on Monday.

Diekman got the call to work the final frame of Tuesday’s Subway Series opener with Edwin Díaz unavailable after pitching two of the last three days, including a 28-pitch save on Monday against the Marlins. He got Trent Grisham to fly out before issuing a four-pitch walk to ensuing batter Juan Soto. He picked up a massive strikeout of Aaron Judge before winning a seven-pitch battle with rookie Ben Rice to end the contest.

Díaz threw a bullpen session on Tuesday without any issues and the Mets are hoping to have one of their primary closing options back on June 11, when first eligible to return. The electrifying 30-year-old righty hit the injured list back in late May with a right shoulder impingement. He’s struggled this season, but remains arguably the best option for New York manager Carlos Mendoza moving forward over Adam Ottavino, Jake Diekman and Reed Garrett.

Diekman was brought on in the ninth inning with the Mets ahead by a pair of runs at the time after Adam Ottavino got into a bases-loaded, one-out jam. The 37-year-old southpaw was somehow able to escape with the lead intact. He got a sacrifice fly from pinch-hitter Joey Meneses to kick things off before striking out Drew Millas to end the contest and preserve the victory. It’s not a situation fantasy managers will be extracting much value from moving forward, but Diekman figures to be in the mix with Ottavino and Reed Garrett moving forward for saves in New York.

Diekman was called upon for the save as the Mets continue to shuffle their closer role in the wake of Edwin Díaz’s struggles and recent injury. Ketel Marte took the lefty Diekman deep as a right-handed batter, his better side of the plate, as he did the same to left-handed starter José Quintana in the first inning. It’s hard to know who will get the next save chance in New York, but it likely won’t be Diekman.

The deal, which had been agreed to over the weekend, is now official. Austin Adams was designated for assignment in a corresponding move. Diekman was one of the most reliable left-handed relievers in baseball in 2023, posting a minuscule 2.18 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and a 53/25 K/BB ratio across 45 1/3 frames following a mid-season trade to the Rays. He adds yet another weapon to an already deep and talented Mets’ bullpen.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com adds that the deal also includes a vesting option for 2025. The 37-year-old southpaw provides the Mets with another lefty relief option as they continue to stockpile bullpen depth. He put together a remarkable bounce-back last year, posting a sparkling 2.18 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 53/25 K/BB ratio across 45 1/3 innings (50 appearances) following a midseason trade to the Rays.

The Mets have allegedly been looking for an affordable lefty veteran for the bullpen, so Diekman would fit the bill here. Diekman struggled with the White Sox in his first 13 appearances in 2023, posting a 7.94 ERA. However, he rebounded once he joined the Rays in May, registering a 2.18 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 50 strikeouts in 45 1/3 innings. Diekman owns a career 3.82 ERA over 12 seasons and would join Brooks Raley as the only lefty in the Mets bullpen.

Diekman has been away from the club for three days, but will return Thursday against the Blue Jays. The southpaw signed with the Rays earlier this month and has allowed two runs in 3 2/3 innings so far.