MLB execs explain why Mets can't yet trade for replacement for All-Star closer

MLB executives have explained why the New York Mets likely won't complete a blockbuster trade ahead of Opening Day to replace injured closer Edwin Diaz. 

In a piece published on Tuesday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post said that an unnamed National League executive told him opposing clubs would love to take advantage if they learned that the big-spending Mets already felt desperation after losing Diaz to a patellar tendon tear in his right knee. 

"Forget about paying $1.25 for $1 [in a trade], it will cost them $3," that executive told Sherman. 

Sherman also pointed out that many clubs think "they are better than they are" before April. Thus, the Colorado Rockies probably would only discuss a trade for closer Daniel Bard if they were blown away by an offer. 

"As a few executives I asked noted, no club wants to send a message of surrender to its fan base before a game has been played by trading its closer," Sherman wrote. Sherman also mentioned that the Mets "don’t seem to be" open to any big moves before the season starts. 

Sherman offered this information after Cincinnati Reds general manager Nick Krall revealed on Monday that Mets GM Billy Eppler hadn't yet reached out about Cincinnati reliever Alexis Diaz, Edwin Diaz's younger brother. Alexis Diaz isn't eligible for arbitration until 2025 and is under team control through the 2027 campaign, which probably puts him in the "$3 for $1" category regarding any trade. 

Edwin Diaz, the winner of the 2022 Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award, suffered the injury celebrating a World Baseball Classic victory with Puerto Rico teammates last week. While Will Sammon of The Athletic reported Friday that a source said "there is some optimism" Diaz could pitch for the Mets late in the season, most experts expect him to remain sidelined until next year. 

Without Diaz, the Mets are on track to use veteran David Robertson, Adam Ottavino and Brooks Raley to pitch the ninth inning until further notice. Sherman added that Eppler "most likely" will look to improve depth around those three while the GM monitors "out-of-option arms" during the final days of spring training.

In short: There's no immediate replacement for Diaz, both as it pertains to talent and to who is available at any reasonable price, as every team shares the same 0-0 record.