Jake Diekman DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

According to Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Atlanta Braves are signing left-handed pitcher Jake Diekman to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training. Last season, the 38-year-old logged 32 innings with the New York Mets. Across this stint, Diekman held a 5.63 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP. He was unable to command his pitches as he posted a hefty 16.6 percent walk rate. However, he did post a strong 27.6 percent strikeout rate. This was a steep decline from the 3.34 ERA and the 1.32 WHIP he held across 56 2/3 innings during the 2023 campaign. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression during spring training as he could contend to earn a spot in the Atlanta bullpen. If he were to earn a role, he would likely operate as a low-leverage option.

New York Mets relief pitcher Jake Diekman recorded his fourth save of the season in Tuesday's victory versus the New York Yankees. With closer Edwin Diaz getting the night off, the Mets turned to Diekman with a one-run lead. Despite allowing a walk, Diekman was able to record the three outs necessary to net himself the save and the Mets their 52nd victory. Managers shouldn't read too much into Diekman getting the save with Diaz getting the night off and outside of deeper leagues that count holds, he can safely remain on the waiver wire.

New York Mets relief pitcher Jake Diekman immediately bounced back by earning his second save of the season in Monday's 8-7 game against the Nationals. Adam Ottavino started the bottom of the ninth inning with a three-run lead, but he gave way to Diekman after giving up a run and loading the bases while getting just one out. Diekman got the second out on a sacrifice fly and ended the game with a strikeout. The Mets' bullpen has been up in the air since Edwin Diaz (shoulder) was placed on the injured list. Both Ottavino and Diekman have seen save opportunities in the last seven days, but neither has pitched well lately. Ottavino has more closing experience, but Diekman has pitched better overall with a 4.12 ERA, a 12.36 K/9 rate, and a 6.41 BB/9 rate. As such, both players are worth a look in deep roto leagues but neither instills a ton of confidence.

New York Mets reliever Jake Diekman (1-2) was tagged with the loss after he blew his second save opportunity during Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Diekman gave up a 439-foot homer to Ketel Marte in the top of the ninth, giving the Diamondbacks the lead for good. He has a 1-2 record, a 4.26 ERA, and a 1.32 WHIP as the Mets struggle to find a reliable ninth-inning stopper in the wake of Edwin Diaz's (shoulder) trip to the 15-day injured list. The return of Drew Smith (shoulder) from the injured list on Monday could provide fantasy managers a short-term option should the Mets choose to give Smith an opportunity. The Mets will likely use Reed Garrett or Adam Ottavino as the primary closing option until Diaz can return, making Diekman or Smith mainly options in NL-Only leagues.

The New York Mets agreed to an undisclosed deal with free-agent left-handed reliever Jake Diekman on Friday, pending a physical. It was reported that the two sides were close to a deal on Thursday. The Mets also added Japanese right-hander Shintaro Fujinami to their bullpen on Friday. The 37-year-old Diekman will give the Mets another experienced left-handed reliever alongside Brooks Raley in 2024. Diekman wasn't very good with the Chicago White Sox early on last year before being released and landing with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he excelled to the tune of a 2.18 ERA with 53 strikeouts and 25 walks in 45 1/3 relief innings. Diekman has the ability to generate plenty of swings and misses with an 11.4 career K/9 in 12 big-league seasons, but he also has control issues (5.3 career BB/9), which can get him in trouble at times. Diekman has a career 3.82 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with 15 career saves.