New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz hopes to bring his team to the World Series, despite any family that could stand in his way as an obstacle. Enjoying a strong season, the reliever wants to bring his team to the next step.
After falling short in the National League Championship Series, the fireballer and the rest of his team want retribution. The Los Angeles Dodgers sent New York home after six games. This season, Edwin could see a familiar face with a berth in the Fall Classic on the line.
NY Mets Closer Edwin Díaz Readies for Possible Showdown with His Brother
In committing $312.7 million to Mets players, expectations remain sky-high in Flushing, N.Y. Diaz, one of the best closers in MLB, understands pressure. Second place, or also-ran status, is not something that enthralls the 31-year-old. The Dodgers, arguably the best team in the National League, stand in the Mets’ way.
For Díaz, the bi-coastal renewal of a rivalry takes on a personal meaning. On May 29, Los Angeles traded a minor-league prospect to the Cincinnati Reds for Alexis Diaz, who is Edwin’s younger brother. The elder hurler discusses the desire to bring his team to the promised land and fires off a quick jab to his brother on the MLB Network.
“I wanna be on the mound Game 7 to take us to the World Series, so, sorry for Alexis” 🤣🤣
– Edwin Díaz on a potential Dodgers-Mets NLCS matchup https://t.co/egBfIg7aFw pic.twitter.com/0II4q9gMHw
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 4, 2025
“I want to be on the mound in Game 7 to take us to the World Series, so, sorry for Alexis,” Díaz said.
That tongue-in-cheek response underscores the bond that the brothers share. Earlier in the interview, the Mets’ closer described spending a great deal of time with his sibling during the offseason.
Now, before we see the Díaz brothers’ teams facing each other in the NLCS, each pitcher needs to help their respective teams get there. The Mets must still contend with the Philadelphia Phillies.
With a slim 1 1/2-game lead, the team cannot endure too many hiccups as Philadelphia does not look like they will wither or fade.
The Mets’ closer looked tough as he closed out a May contest against the crosstown rival New York Yankees. He was pumped after striking out Yankees slugger Aaron Boone for the final out.
Edwin Díaz brings the heat to close out the game! 🔥 #RivalryWeekend pic.twitter.com/kPSqB1VP4N
— MLB (@MLB) May 17, 2025
The Dodgers have a one-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the National League West Division. However, they do possess the tougher division. The San Francisco Giants stand just three games behind, and the Arizona Diamondbacks, at 6 1/2 games, are hanging around.
In addition, the Dodgers have pitching problems, with some starters on the Injured List and ineffective relievers. Current Dodgers closer Tanner Scott has a 4.55 earned-run average.
Aleix needs to find his way back to the majors. Before the trade, the Reds sent him to Triple-A after posting a 12.00 ERA. Now, he’s currently working with team pitching experts to help him rediscover the form that made him an All-Star.
The Mets and Dodgers look like they could meet in the postseason this fall. For the Díaz family, the potential matchup is a culmination of a shared boyhood dream. Getting to the NLCS remains a large obstacle for both. How their teams, and more specifically, their performances affect the Mets and Dodgers, respectively, will dictate if the head-to-head contest happens at all.