New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz plans to pile up the strikeouts this year: "I will keep throwing my two pitches, my fastball and my slider"

New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz has a simple, yet effective strategy to maintain his dominance this season.

“I will keep throwing my two pitches, my fastball and my slider, and keep striking out everybody,” he told MLB Insider Tim Healey.

Edwin Diaz reported to MLB Spring Training on Tuesday, looking to pick up where he left off during his All-Star campaign in 2022. He was one of the most fearsome closers in the league last season, posting 32 saves for the second-straight year with a career-best 1.31 ERA.

The New York Mets closer struck out 118 batters in 2022, the second-highest season tally of his career. However, his ratio of strikeouts to innings pitched was the best of his seven seasons in the big leagues. He averaged 1.9 whiffs per innings, topping his previous best of 1.69 set during his previous All-Star appearance in 2018 as a member of the Seattle Mariners. In that season, he led all MLB closers with 57 saves.

As part of their winter spending spree, the New York Mets locked up Edwin Diaz to the richest contract ever handed to a relief pitcher — five years and $102 million.

He said he doesn't feel any added pressure to perform under the new contract and his place in attempting to help the Mets improve on last season's 101-win season.

"No, we don't have any pressure," he told reporters upon his arrival at Spring Training. "We just have to keep playing baseball and everyone has to stay healthy and win games. That's it."

He added.

"Our expectation is to win the championship. We are looking forward to start winning games and try to be in the World Series."

Edwin Diaz #39 of the New York Mets throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres

New York Mets, Edwin Diaz have unfinished business

While the New York Mets' 101 wins last year were the second most in the history of the organization, the team ended 2022 on a sour note. The Atlanta Braves surged late to take the National League East title as the Mets sputtered. New York was bounced out of the playoffs in the Wild Card round by the San Diego Padres. Their fellow National League East rival, the Philadelphia Phillies, went on a surprise postseason run to claim the NL pennant.

Edwin Diaz noted that last year's disappointment was motivational as the team seeks to finish 2023 with a World Series championship:

"We are excited to start the season and we got a great team, like I said. And we're looking forward to winning a ring."