Former New York Mets closer Billy Wagner knows what it’s like to go from a star closer to being one that’s a liability, so he feels for the team’s current closer Edwin Diaz. That is why he recently offered some advice to the pitcher to help him get back to his All-Star form.
Heading into the MLB games today, the Mets have lost eight of their last 10 and are plummeting down the MLB standings. There are quite a few expensive star players who deserve blame for the team’s horrid start to the 2024 season. However, one player taking a lot of heat lately is demoted closer Edwin Diaz.
After having a historic season in 2022, the organization gave him the biggest contract ever for a closer and he rewarded them by injuring himself while celebrating a win at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. After missing a season there was a lot of hope about having a reliable arm back in the ninth inning, but the 30-year-old has been a shell of himself and is having the worst year of his career.
After blowing a third straight save recently, Diaz was removed from the closer role and has admitted his confidence is shaken after posting a 5.40 ERA in 20 appearances this season. Many are wondering how the pitcher will be able to bounce back from the horrid start, and former Mets closer Billy Wagner believes Diaz must talk himself back into believing he is still an elite pitcher.
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