Some offseason decisions feel inevitable long before they become official, and the New York Mets learned that firsthand on Tuesday. Edwin Diaz had a qualifying offer in front of him, a safety net for the club and a one-year guarantee for the pitcher, but it never felt like something he would accept. He’s earned the chance to explore the open market again, and now he’ll do just that.

A Familiar Choice With Major Implications

In truth, the Mets knew this was coming. The qualifying offer was a formality more than anything, a procedural step that ensured a compensatory draft pick if Diaz chooses to sign with another team. Even so, it marks a real moment for the Mets, who suddenly find themselves competing with the rest of the league for their own star closer.

Diaz’s situation is unusual bec

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