Dodgers Add Diaz as New Closer

 

As if the Los Angeles Dodgers weren't already baseball's elite, they have now added Edwin Diaz as their new closer. The 31-year-old Puerto Rican native has signed a 3-year, $69 million with the back-to-back World Series champions.

Diaz had spent the past six seasons with the New York Mets and was among the few bright spots on a team which collapsed down the stretch. In 2025, Diaz went 6-3 with a 1.63 ERA posting 28 saves while fanning 98 batters over 66.1 innings pitched with only 21 walks earning a NL All-Star Team selection.

Prior to the 2023 season, Diaz signed a 5-year contract extension with the Mets worth $102 million but decided to opt out with two years remaining on the deal. The Mets were committed to re-signing him, but Diaz was reportedly displeased when they signed ex-Yankees pitcher Devin Williams earlier this month. I'm not sure why Diaz was shocked the team wouldn't pursue another closer when he opted out of his deal. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if Williams is the projected closer for the Mets or if they go out and add another veteran closer such as Kenley Jansen.

While it could be argued that the Dodgers have an embarrassment of riches, the addition of Diaz in the back end of the bullpen is an upgrade. Although Tanner Scott posted a career high 23 saves, he also logged a 4.74 ERA which more than doubled his combined 2.31 ERA with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres in 2024.

Still, no NL team has ever won three consecutive World Series. While the odds are against it, it might not be a good idea to bet against the Dodgers especially if Diaz answer the bell in the 9th inning.