MLB analyst pitches for Alexis Diaz to replace his older brother Edwin Diaz as closer for 2023 New York Mets

Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets will miss the entirety of the 2023 MLB season.

The Puerto Rican star tore his patellar tendon in a post-game celebration following his country's critical victory over the Dominican Republic in the first stage of the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Puerto Rico was eliminated in the subsequent round by Mexico. Edwin Diaz, however, will be feeling the shockwaves of this tournament for months to come.

Diaz's freak injury has led many to call for an end to the World Baseball Classic. Some commentators, mostly within the USA, have espoused thoughts of the tournament as being too risky a venture too close to the dawn of a new season.

Regardless of what your opinion of the tournament might be, the New York Mets now have to deal with the ramifications of this loss. Diaz was just re-signed by the Mets for $102 million over five years, making him the highest-paid reliever in history.

The Mets have nominated veteran bullpen arm David Robertson as his replacement. However, one MLB analyst has another, interesting idea as to who may take over as the New York Mets' closer next year.

"Mets plan is for veteran David Robertson to close. But I’d look into acquiring Edwin Diaz’s brother Alexis, who just happens to be the one closer who may be available. Here’s why." - Jon Heyman

In a recent article for the New York Post, Jon Heyman made the case that the Mets should pursue Edwin Diaz's younger brother Alexis.

Alexis Diaz, 26, appeared in 59 games last year for the Cincinnati Reds. In that time, he amassed a record of 7-3, striking out 83 batters and registering ten saves. Although Heyman acknowledged that Alexis Diaz is a gamble, he believes that the two "share the same DNA," and that Alexis could be just as good a closer.

The Mets originally signed Robertson as a set-up man for Diaz. Although the 37-year old veteran has 157 career saves, he has not traditionally held a closer role. Robertson registered a 2.70 ERA in 22 appearances last season for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Edwin Diaz's absence could break the Mets' season

With 32 saves last year, Edwin Diaz made it clear that he is one of the best closers in the game.

Heyman conceded that other teams know that, and will price replacement pitchers accordingly. But maybe he is right, and young Alexis has what it takes to measure up to his older brother.

The reality is that this is a difficult injury for New York to easily replace. Their ability to recover from it will be a huge factor in defining their season.