The Los Angeles Dodgers secured the premier closer on the free agent market Tuesday, finalizing a three-year, $69 million contract with former New York Mets reliever Edwin Díaz, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Jorge Castillo. The agreement, aimed at reinforcing a bullpen that struggled throughout 2024, sets a new average annual value record for a relief pitcher, underscoring the Dodgers’ urgency to fortify the back end of their staff.
According to sources, the Mets’ final offer to retain Díaz fell short of the $69 million total that the Dodgers committed. For Los Angeles, the move marks a decisive step in addressing one of its most pressing offseason needs.
Díaz, 31, arrives after a standout season in New York, where he posted a 1.63 ERA and successfully converted 28 of 31 save opportunities. Renowned for his overpowering fastball and devastating slider, the three-time All-Star recorded 98 strikeouts in 66⅓ innings during the 2025 campaign, while issuing just 14 walks. His strikeout-heavy profile made him the most coveted reliever available this winter.
The Dodgers’ bullpen woes were evident last season, as the unit compiled a 4.27 ERA and blew 27 saves, tied for the seventh most in Major League Baseball. The instability forced the organization to lean on its starting pitching depth, transitioning Roki Sasaki into the closer role and deploying arms such as Emmet Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski and, at times, Tyler Glasnow in late-inning situations.
With Díaz now anchoring the ninth inning, Los Angeles expects a more defined and reliable relief structure. Tanner Scott, looking to rebound from a difficult first year with the club, is projected to serve as the primary setup man. Additional depth will come from Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, Anthony Banda and Brusdar Graterol, the latter working his way back from shoulder surgery.
