New York Mets executive Jeff Wilpon said the team aggressively pushed to acquire Edwin Diaz in part to “block” the rival Philadelphia Phillies from trading for the All-Star closer.
Wilpon, the Mets’ chief operating officer and son of owner Fred Wilpon, joined general manager Brodie Van Wagenen at a news conference Tuesday to introduce Diaz and second baseman Robinson Cano.
The Mets officially acquired Diaz, Cano and cash considerations Monday from the Seattle Mariners, who received outfielder Jay Bruce, reliever Anthony Swarzak and prospects Jarred Kelenic, Justin Dunn and Gerson Bautista.
Wilpon told reporters Tuesday that the Mets believed, if they failed to agree on a deal with the Mariners, that Seattle would ultimately trade Diaz to Philadelphia.
The Mariners and Phillies did agree to a high-profile trade Monday, as Seattle sent star shortstop Jean Segura to Philadelphia in a five-player deal.