The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed former Mets closer Edwin Diaz to a 3 year, $69M contract, setting a new record in terms of average annual value for a relief pitcher.
Los Angeles, whose one area of weakness in 2025 was their bullpen, was in the market for relief help after their gamble on Tanner Scott didn’t go as planned. Because Diaz turned down the Mets $22.025M qualifying offer, New York will receive a compensatory draft pick after the 4th round in return.
Diaz was 28 for 31 in save opportunities last season, posting a 1.63 ERA and striking out 98 batters across 66.1IP. The 31 year old posted the second lowest ERA amongst relievers who threw at least 50 innings, while his 38% strikeout rate trailed only Mason Miller across the Majors in 2025.
Only Kenley Jansen, Craig Kimbrel, and Aroldis Chapman have more career saves than Diaz amongst active MLB players, and he’ll get plenty of opportunities to add to his career total in LA for a team looking to three-peat the World Series.
With the addition of Diaz, the Dodgers will likely slide Scott back to a set up role, one in which he’s thrived throughout his Major League career. With Scott acting as a bridge to Diaz in the 9th inning, and a return to health for relievers such as Evan Phillips, and Brusdar Graterol, LA has done well to solidify their biggest area of need in the early goings of free agency.
The team will presumably return Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, Anthony Banda, and Brock Stewart in the late innings as well. Will Klein, Ben Casparius, Jack Dreyer, and Edgardo Henriquez figure to compete for what looks like a limited number of bullpen spots remaining, however each still have minor league options remaining on their deals, making them the likeliest names to be on the outside looking in come Opening Day 2026.
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