As expected, closer Edwin Díaz has opted out of his deal with the Mets and will now enter free agency for the first time in his career.

The right-hander still had two years and just under $40 million remaining on his contract, but after another career year in the back of the Mets’ bullpen, Díaz will now have an opportunity to test the open market and get more.

Díaz was one of the best late-inning relievers in the game this year, posting a 1.63 ERA with a sparkling 0.874 WHIP over 62 games. The closer saved 28 games, had the second-highest strikeout rate (38 percent) among all qualified relievers and was an All-Star for the third time.

This doesn’t mean Díaz won’t be back with the Mets next season. Díaz made it clear at the end of the regular season that he’d love to return even if he

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