Edwin Diaz is in Port St. Lucie for Mets spring training and was already at work on Friday – tossing a bullpen session with catcher Francisco Alvarez.
It was a refreshing sight to see for many Mets fans and those within the organization after Diaz missed all of 2023 with a torn patellar tendon, which he sustained celebrating in the World Baseball Classic.
“I’m feeling great,” Diaz said. “I’m glad to be here, back at [spring] training and ready to go.”
Prior to last year’s injury, Diaz was coming off the best season of his career with 32 saves and a 1.31 ERA, which garnered him votes for Cy Young and MVP as well as a five-year, $102 million contract.
He is looking to return to that form after spending all of last year sidelined and rehabbing.
“[It was] kinda tough,” Diaz said. “[I] was away from the ballpark and from what I like to do. Finally, we are here and ready to go. Can’t wait to start playing and pitching innings.”
The 29-year-old said that this will be a normal spring training for him with no restrictions as he aims to focus on his goals for the 2024 season:
“Stay healthy all year and help the team win a championship.”
