Los Angeles Dodgers Strengthen Bullpen with Edwin Díaz Acquisition

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant move in free agency by agreeing to a deal with veteran closer Edwin Díaz, as reported by Will Sammon of The Athletic. This new contract is set for three years and will cost the Dodgers $69 million, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Prior to this deal, the Dodgers were projected to have a payroll of $259 million, as per Spotrac. Díaz, who was previously a key player for the New York Mets from 2019 until recently, opted out of the final two years and $37 million left on his contract on November 3, becoming a coveted free agent.

Díaz's Impressive Track Record

The 31-year-old closer had an impressive 2025 season with the Mets, securing 28 saves over 62 appearances while showcasing a remarkable 1.63 ERA and a 0.874 WHIP. He also struck out 98 batters and issued only 21 walks in 66.1 innings of work, earning himself a spot in the All-Star Game for the third time in his career.

Díaz began his MLB journey with the Seattle Mariners in 2016, and he made an immediate impact, earning his first All-Star nod in 2018. Although his first year with the Mets saw him struggle with a 5.59 ERA, he quickly bounced back, demonstrating consistent improvement with a 2.27 ERA from 2020 to 2022. After missing the entire 2023 season due to a right knee injury, Díaz's strong comeback in 2025 brings renewed optimism for his future contributions.

A Boost to the Dodgers' Bullpen

The Dodgers have dominated the World Series stage in recent years, claiming titles for the past two seasons. Despite their success, their bullpen ranked only 21st among MLB teams last season, with a team ERA of 4.27 and 27 blown saves in 2024—ranking eighth in the majors. The addition of Díaz aims to shore up these weaknesses as he steps in as the likely new closer for Los Angeles.