Narcos
Timmy Trumpet and Blasterjaxx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S73zDvMgGmI
At the beginning of free agency,
Edwin Diaz was requesting $18 M per year for 6 years. Diaz had a season for the ages with a strikeout rate of an incredible 17.9 K/9, 1.31 ERA, and 32 Saves in 2022.
With our bullpen depth and asking price, we didn’t pursue him due to other pressing team needs.
The calendar hits February and we still see Diaz out there available. I decide to check in to see price range. His agent communicates back to me Diaz is looking for $45M over 3 years, guaranteed role as closer, and no trade clause.
As a smaller budget team that type of dollars to one player, especially being a closer and 3 years guaranteed didn’t make sense.
After the call ended with Diaz’s agent my mind started exploring a team that could potentially have both Diaz AND Clase closing games. Both are lights out elite-level stoppers. A current strength (bullpen) could be even more devastating.
I make the call back to Edwin’s agent and make an offer of $30 M over 2 years with 2024 as $15 team option. No guarantee of closer role. I plant the seed to him of both Clase and him closing games or using either whenever team needs them.
After two days Diaz agent calls back to accept our offer!! Man can’t wait until March gets here.
Up next we will go "around the horn" to track key free agency signings from around the league. Where did
Aaron Judge finally sign, and for how much?
Tune in next episode to find out!