When discussing the best relievers in baseball, Clay Holmes, Liam Hendriks, and Josh Hader were often mentioned by fans and analysts.
Right now, however, there is little doubt that the New York Mets‘ Edwin Diaz is the most dominant bullpen arm in MLB.
The numbers don’t lie, and the eye test usually doesn’t, either.
“Since his last blown save on May 24, Edwin Diaz has produced the following pitching line in 26 appearances: -26.2 IP, 1 R, 0.34 ERA -12 H, 3 BB, 57 K -16 saves in 16 chances,” Mets insider Anthony DiComo tweeted.
Since his last blown save on May 24, Edwin Diaz has produced the following pitching line in 26 appearances:
-26.2 IP, 1 R, 0.34 ERA
-12 H, 3 BB, 57 K
-16 saves in 16 chances— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) August 12, 2022
Take a moment to carefully look at those numbers.
They are absolutely insane, almost out of a video game.
Maintaining a 0.34 ERA over 26.2 innings is nothing short of amazing, let alone striking out 57 hitters against three (!) walks over that same span.
No Reliever In MLB Can Match Diaz’s Dominance
No one in MLB can match Diaz’s sheer dominance when it comes to avoiding walks and striking out people.
It is also reflected in his incredible 1.39 season ERA.
At the moment, he looks untouchable, and has managed to change his previous reputation as a choker.
In 2019, he had a 5.59 ERA, but after that year, he has been lights out.
The 2022 campaign has represented the peak of his dominance, though.
With him healthy and clearly in the best form of his life, the Mets now have some peace of mind knowing that any close lead they have in the ninth inning is safe.
As the tweet says, he hasn’t failed to convert any save chances since late May.
Diaz has been a big reason why the Mets have the best record in the NL East and the second-best in all MLB, at 73-39.
He is the headliner of a strong bullpen, and as long as health is on his side, New York will likely be extremely tough to beat in the playoffs.
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