Report: Braves, Phillies eyeing Mariners' Diaz
The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly showing interest in Seattle Mariners closer Edwin Diaz, sources told Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
The Mariners have shown a willingness to sell off assets after general manager Jerry Dipoto suggested that he's open to "re-imagining" the roster shortly before trading ace left-hander James Paxton to the New York Yankees. However, Seattle would also reportedly need to be blown away to consider trading Diaz, as well as outfielder Mitch Haniger and starter Marco Gonzales.
Diaz is under team control for four more seasons and unable to become a free agent until after the 2022 season. The flamethrowing right-hander authored a 1.96 ERA and 1.61 FIP with 57 saves over 73 1/3 innings.
The 24-year-old made his first All-Star appearance was named the Mariano Rivera Reliever of the Year in 2018.
The Braves made the postseason last year for the first time since 2013. Their relief corps - led by A.J. Minter and Arodys Vizcaino - was, roughly, league average, according to FanGraphs.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are reportedly in pursuit of bullpen help as well and were recently named in connection with free-agent left-hander Andrew Miller.