Edwin Diaz Crashing and Burning is Proof the Mets Are Poison

New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz had a career-year with the Seattle Mariners in 2018, posting a 1.96 ERA with 57 saves and 124 strikeouts over 73.1 innings. He became the best ninth-inning arm in the game. Now? He's average as a member of the Mets.

To be fair, we all knew that Diaz wouldn't be the immortal hurler he was last year, but in 34 appearances this season, he's 1-5 with a 4.78 ERA, including a 6.64 ERA over the last two months.

Yes, he was going to take a step back, but the idea was it would be a small step. Now he seems broken, and you can't help but blame the Mets and their environment.

Blown saves happen, but for Diaz it's been of the epic variety. Back on May 29 against the Dodgers, Diaz blew the save after giving up four runs on five hits. That appeared to be the worst it could get for Diaz, but then June 27 rolled around and he blew a two-run lead and gave up five runs on three hits against the Phillies.

New York has to hope that's the end of these massive collapses in the ninth inning for Diaz, but he's not tricking anyone and has already allowed two more home runs than he did all of last season.

Instead of building their bullpen around Diaz, the Mets need to think about trying to move him at the deadline, as they are nine games under .500 and 12 games back in the division.

The Mets and GM Brodie Van Wagenen gave up one of their top prospects, outfielder Jarred Kelenic, and took on the rest of Robinson Cano's contract to get Diaz. It's not working out and they need to act fast before he's untradeable.

For whatever reason, the Mets are poison when it comes to pitchers. It hasn't happened yet, but with the history of their starters, don't be shocked if Diaz lands on the IL with some kind of injury.