New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) reacts in the eighth inning during game two of the Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Mets gave closer Edwin Diaz 'Bobby Bonilla' type contract

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Dan Benton | Last updated 11/12/22

The New York Mets still owe Bobby Bonilla a paycheck of $1,193,248.20 every July 1 through 2035. And now, they’ll be paying closer Edwin Diaz annually until 2042.

On Wednesday, the Mets announced a five-year, $102 million contract for Diaz, which is the largest for a reliever in MLB history. But $26.5 million of that will come via deferred payments.

Edwin Diaz going the Bobby Bonilla route with deferred payments till 2042. Here’s the breakdown pic.twitter.com/jZjEJkQhvk

— Thee Perl-Offs (@TheePerlOffs) November 12, 2022

The deal also includes a no-trade clause and a sixth-year option which, if picked up, increases the total to $118.25 million over six seasons. The $12 million signing bonus will be spread out over six seasons, through 2028 if all player options are picked up.

Should Diaz pick up his options, the Mets also have a 2028 option. SNY reports that “if his player options are exercised, the Mets have a $17.25 million option with a $1 million buyout. However, New York will defer $5.5 million annually from 2023-25 and $5 million from 2026 and 2027. The payments will be due on July 1 in future years.”

There are a lot of moving pieces.

In addition to those massive numbers, Diaz’ deal also includes incentives. He can earn an extra $100,000 if he’s named World Series MVP or Rivera/Hoffman Reliever of the Year. All-Star, Gold Glove and Cy Young Award incentives are also built into the deal.

With Diaz and Bonilla combined, July 1 is going to be an expensive day for the Mets for years to come.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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