Edwin Diaz is a professional baseball player who currently serves as a relief pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). Diaz was born on March 22, 1994, in Naguabo, Puerto Rico, and grew up in the nearby town of Vega Baja.
High school
Diaz attended high school at the Ladislao Martinez Otero school in Vega Baja, where he played both baseball and basketball. He was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the 2012 MLB draft, and he signed with the team later that year.
Debut
Diaz spent several years working his way up through the Mariners’ minor league system, showcasing his impressive fastball and slider. He made his MLB debut with the Mariners in 2016, pitching in relief. Diaz quickly established himself as one of the most dominant closers in the game, earning his first All-Star selection in 2018 and finishing the season with 57 saves, the most in the majors.
Trade
In December 2018, the Mariners traded Diaz and second baseman Robinson Cano to the New York Mets in exchange for several players, including outfielder Jay Bruce and pitcher Anthony Swarzak. Diaz struggled during his first season with the Mets, finishing with a 5.59 ERA and blowing several save opportunities.
However, Diaz rebounded in 2020, posting a 1.75 ERA and earning six saves in the abbreviated season. He continued his strong play in 2021, finishing with 28 saves and a 2.04 ERA.
Off the field, Diaz is known for his dedication to his family and his community in Puerto Rico. He has also been involved in several charitable initiatives, including donating money to help rebuild homes in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Career
Edwin Diaz began his professional baseball career when he was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the 2012 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. He spent several years in the Mariners’ minor league system, working his way up through the ranks and impressing with his fastball and slider.
Diaz made his MLB debut with the Mariners in 2016 as a relief pitcher. He quickly established himself as a dominant closer, finishing the season with 18 saves and a 2.79 ERA. In 2017, he became the Mariners’ full-time closer and finished the season with 34 saves and a 3.27 ERA.
Diaz’s breakout year came in 2018, when he was selected to his first All-Star Game and led the majors with 57 saves. He finished the season with a 1.96 ERA and 124 strikeouts in 73.1 innings pitched, earning him the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award.
In December 2018, the Mariners traded Diaz and Robinson Cano to the New York Mets in exchange for several players, including outfielder Jay Bruce and pitcher Anthony Swarzak. Diaz struggled during his first season with the Mets, finishing with a 5.59 ERA and blowing several save opportunities.
Diaz bounced back in 2020, posting a 1.75 ERA and earning six saves in the abbreviated season. He continued his strong play in 2021, finishing with 28 saves and a 2.04 ERA.
Throughout his career, Diaz has been known for his ability to strike out batters with his fastball and slider, as well as his poise and confidence on the mound. He has also been involved in several charitable initiatives, including donating money to help rebuild homes in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017.
.){kind=link}