The New York Mets have certainly shaken things up this offseason, parting ways with familiar faces like Brandon Nimmo and Pete Alonso. In their place, they've brought in talents like Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta, and Devin Williams, signaling a bold new direction for the franchise.
One of the most significant departures was Edwin Diaz, who secured a record-setting closer contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Losing Diaz, arguably the best reliever in baseball, was a tough pill to swallow. Adding to the drama, the Mets were frontrunners for Kyle Tucker, even offering a hefty $55 million AAV, but the Dodgers swooped in with a staggering four-year, $240 million deal.
With these moves, Mets fans are left pondering which former player will be the main target of their ire this season: Kyle Tucker or Edwin Diaz?
Both players will face their former team during the 2026 regular season in two series. The first matchup is set for April 13-15 on the West Coast, as the Mets visit the defending champions.
But it's the series in Queens, from July 24-26, that promises to be electrifying, especially if both teams are in playoff contention. Expect Citi Field to have a playoff-like atmosphere, with fans ready to voice their feelings.
Missing out on Tucker stung, particularly because he seemed like an ideal replacement for Alonso. Yet, his connection with the Mets was brief before he opted for the Dodgers. The Mets quickly pivoted by signing Bichette, softening the blow.
Diaz's move to the Dodgers, however, felt like a gut punch. Despite his occasional inconsistencies, Diaz was in the conversation for "baseball's best reliever" when he left New York.
If he delivers another standout season with the Dodgers, especially during that pivotal series at Citi Field, the boos from Mets fans will likely be deafening. Diaz's return to the mound in Queens will be a moment charged with emotion and anticipation, as fans express their mixed feelings about his departure.