Edwin Diaz Feels Physically and Mentally Prepared for 2021 Season
Speaking for the first time at camp in Port St. Lucie on Tuesday afternoon, New York Mets reliever Edwin Diaz said that he has worked very hard this offseason and feels great both “physically and mentally ” going into the season.
Diaz said that he worked out pretty much the same way this offseason as last because of the success he had, but he did try to get stronger, as he will be throwing more innings over the 162 game season. Overall, the hard-throwing righty said he feels “really prepared for the 2021 season.”
After struggling mightily in his first season in New York in 2019, Diaz bounced back and finished up with a strong performance during the 2020 pandemic shortened season.
Diaz struggled at times early, but ultimately ended up converting six saves, and pitching to a 1.75 ERA, 2.18 FIP, and 1.24 WHIP. He also averaged 17.5 K/9 innings, and according to Baseball Savant finished in the top 1% of the league with a 45.9 K%.
Diaz acknowledged that ending the season on such a high note was great for his confidence moving forward. “That last month of the season, I felt like I pitched really well. It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, that’s how I’ve always believed. I feel really good going forward,” he said.
When asked if he feels he has done enough to warrant the everyday closers role for the upcoming season, Diaz said that that is certainly his mindset in his preparation right now.
“Last season was really important for me. I had a tremendous season last year. I’m not the one who makes the decisions, but I know my mindset in my preparation is to be the closer of this team.”
With Seth Lugo set to miss some time at the beginning of the season, the Mets are going to need Diaz to step up at the backend of the bullpen. It would be a massive boost for this Mets team if Diaz can build off of his success and put together another strong season.
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