“Bring Edwin Diaz back!" - Fans react after Mets' David Stearns' cryptic reply on Pete Alonso and $102M pitcher's future amid free agency buzz

The New York Mets are at a crossroads as they have several roles to fill with two of their cornerstone players' futures looking uncertain amid free agency. With both players wanting long-term security and high pay days, the front office is in the spotlight of public scrutiny.

Given the franchise’s $342 million payroll, their performance this season (83-79 and missed the playoffs) has disappointed the fans. The fans have questioned their key players, especially Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo, after postseason heartbreak.

While team president David Stearns has not completely shut down the idea of retaining slugger Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Diaz, who opted out of the rest of his five-year $102 million contract that he signed in 2022, their offseason priorities remain on Brett Baty and No.2 prospect Carson Benge.

“We love both Pete and Edwin. They've been great representatives of the organization. We'd love to have them both back. At this stage of the offseason, it’s really tough to predict any outcomes but certainly we’d love to have both those guys back,” David Stearns said to SNY.

Fans have been on edge with both players opting out after the October games. One X user came to Stearns' defense and hit back against fans posting on Twitter.

“Playing 'fantasy GM' is fun, but anyone on Twitter that seriously believes they know better than David Stearns is delusional.”

Jonathan

@PawPawBlowtorch

Playing “fantasy GM” is fun, but anyone on Twitter that seriously believes they know better than David Stearns is delusional

However, that didn't stop one fan from sharing their view on what the Mets should do.

"Bring Diaz back. Let Alonso go to Boston,” another added.

Tim Roberts

@timmytruelove25

Bring Diaz back. Let Alonso go to Boston. Sign and trade for pitching. Pitching is what is important this offseason

Meanwhile, a couple of fans shared their concern about what Stearns said.

"They've been"... doesn't sound too optimistic phrasing here,” one X user said.

18x UConn Huskies

@MarcNYC36

"They've been"... doesn't sound too optimistic phrasing here

“That answer does not inspire confidence,” another commented.

RosemaryEF

@otterfan1206

That answer does not inspire confidence.

Other fans called Stearns out to do his job.

“Then get it done,” another demanded.

Mr.Time Manager

@Delayz_l

Then get it done

“He’s full of it!! He wants no part of Pete!! And will easily move from Edwin!” an X user penned.

Dom Marronaro

@DomMarronaro

He’s full of it!! He wants no part of Pete!! And will easily move from Edwin!

Stearns also acknowledged how the last couple of months of the season played out, noting that the players need to focus on defensive plays. Apart from Alonso and Diaz, the Mets also have other free agents in Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, and Gregory Soto.

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LA Dodgers favored to land Mets closer Edwin Diaz in free agency

The Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as favorites to land NY Mets closer Edwin Diaz in the offseason. An online sportsbook has given the Dodgers +250 odds to get Diaz, ahead of teams like the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants.

ESPN baseball writer Jeff Passan believes the Los Angeles Dodgers are an ideal fit for Diaz. He believes the Dodgers could spend big again on a closer after their Tanner Scott move did not work out.

Per rumors, Diaz is expected to get a 4-year $82 million deal as one of the biggest free agents in the market. He posted a 1.63 ERA and struck out 98 batters in the regular season.

Despite being back-to-back World Series champions, the Dodgers have struggled with their bullpen. With Diaz in the mix, it could help solve their woes.

On the other hand, Pete Alonso has been linked with the Red Sox, Giants, Phillies, Mariners, Nationals, Cubs, and Diamondbacks. Then again, Tigers, Yankees, and Rangers could also be potential fits for the first baseman.