Edwin Diaz, Brandon Nimmo being prioritized over all other internal free agents

Here is the latest free agency and trade buzz surrounding the Mets…

Nov. 2, 2:11 p.m.

The Mets are prioritizing Edwin Diaz and Brandon Nimmo above all other internal free agents, and expect to maintain open and consistent communication with Diaz when free agency begins the morning after the World Series ends, reports SNY’s Andy Martino.

Martino reported on Oct. 10 that the mutual interest between the Mets and Diaz about a return was strong, and that the Mets loved Nimmo “both as a player and as part of their culture.”

Mets GM Billy Eppler said Tuesday that the Mets “absolutely” want Diaz to return:

“Would we like to have him back? Absolutely. Are we going to be able to get something worked out? Potentially. But he’s reached a point in his career where he’s afforded himself the opportunity with the ability to look around if he so chooses, but he knows how we feel about him and we know how he feels about us and how comfortable he was this year.

“He expressed that and I’m not sure if he expressed that specifically to Buck [Showalter], but I passed it along because when I was talking to his agent, he mentioned that. Edwin can provide a big boost to the bullpen and like I said, be used in a number of roles. But we’ll see what the coming day and coming weeks provides.”

Nov. 1, 10:52 a.m.

Justin Turner, who will become a free agent in the coming days if the Los Angeles Dodgers decline their $16 million club option on him, could be interested in a reunion with the Mets.

After Turner accepted the Roberto Clemente Award on Monday night, he told Mike Puma of The New York Post that he’s “in limbo” as he waits for the Dodgers’ decision.

When Puma suggested Turner could sign with the Mets if he hits free agency, Turner “didn’t hate the idea,” per Puma.

Turner, who is entering his age-38 season, hit .278/.350/.438 with 13 homers and 36 doubles in 128 games for Los Angeles this season.

In nine seasons with the Dodgers, Turner has slashed .296/.375/.490 with 156 home runs while playing mostly third base. In 2022, Turner played 66 games at third and was the DH in 62 others.

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The Mets moved on from Turner following the 2013 season after he hit just .256/.326/.370 with eight homers in four seasons with New York.

Oct. 29, 2:33 p.m.

Rather than test the free agency market as one of the top third base options, seven-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado has opted in to the remainder of his contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, per multiple reports.

Arenado, 31, is now under contract with the Cardinals through the 2027 season.

With Eduardo Escobar struggling for most of the 2022 season, the Mets could look to upgrade at third base this offseason, with other internal candidates including Brett Baty and Luis Guillorme. Had he opted out, Arenado all but certainly would have been on the Mets’ radar as a potential addition.

Oct. 27, 4:14 p.m.

The Colorado Rockies have Brandon Nimmo on their “preliminary list” of free agent targets, reports Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post.

Saunders notes that estimates he has seen predict that Nimmo will ink a five-year deal worth roughly $115 or $120 million.

The Mets have interest in retaining Nimmo, who has expressed a desire to return.

Nimmo, who is entering his age-30 season, made $7 million this year during what was his final season of arbitration.

Nimmo hit .274/.367/.433 in 2022 with 16 homers, 30 doubles, and seven triples, and played a terrific center field, where he was in the 91st percentile in Outs Above Average.