Dodgers Land Star Closer Edwin Díaz on Record $69 Million Deal to Reinforce Bullpen

Key Points

• The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract

• The deal sets a new record for average annual value among relief pitchers

• Díaz posted a 1.63 ERA and 28 saves in 31 chances last season with the Mets

• The Dodgers targeted bullpen upgrades after blowing 27 saves in 2025

• Díaz owns 253 career saves, second among all active MLB closers

Engaging Introduction

The Los Angeles Dodgers have delivered one of the most impactful moves of the offseason, securing elite closer Edwin Díaz on a record-setting three-year, $69 million contract. The deal reshapes the top end of the relief market and signals a major commitment by the Dodgers to fix a bullpen that cost them dearly last season.

Record-Setting Contract Reshapes the Relief Market

Díaz’s deal establishes the highest average annual value ever for a relief pitcher. The New York Mets reportedly made a competitive offer, but it ultimately fell short of Los Angeles’ aggressive bid.

The three-time All-Star enters his age-31 season as the most sought-after closer on the free agent market. His power fastball and devastating slider continue to rank among the most dominant weapons in baseball.

Dominant 2025 Season Boosted Díaz’s Value

Díaz delivered one of the league’s best relief performances last season, finishing with a 1.63 ERA and converting 28 of 31 save opportunities. He struck out 98 batters across 66⅓ innings in 2025, maintaining the elite strikeout rates that have defined his career.

Despite a past knee injury that wiped out his entire 2023 season following a World Baseball Classic celebration, Díaz returned to peak form and re-established himself as baseball’s premier closer.

Why the Dodgers Made Bullpen Their Top Priority

Los Angeles entered the offseason determined to overhaul its late-inning relief corps. The Dodgers’ bullpen posted a combined 4.27 ERA in 2025 and blew 27 saves, placing them near the bottom of the league in late-game efficiency.

Their October struggles forced starters into emergency relief roles during the postseason. With Díaz now locked in as the ninth-inning anchor, the Dodgers expect far greater stability at the back of games.

He will be supported by Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, Anthony Banda, and Brusdar Graterol, who is nearing his return from shoulder surgery.

Manager Dave Roberts Addresses the Strategy

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of securing a true high-leverage closer, calling bullpen reinforcement a critical offseason priority. With Díaz in place, team officials are expected to redirect their focus toward strengthening the outfield, potentially through trade.

Mets’ Response and Díaz’s Career Resume

Díaz opted out of the final two years of his previous five-year, $38 million Mets contract after declining a qualifying offer. Anticipating the possibility of his departure, New York previously signed Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million deal on December 1.

Across his MLB career, Díaz has accumulated 253 saves, ranking second among active closers behind only Kenley Jansen. His performance history includes three seasons with an ERA under 2.00, alongside others that reflected greater volatility.

What Happens Next?

With Díaz now installed as their closer, the Dodgers are expected to pivot toward roster upgrades in the outfield before Opening Day. All eyes will be on how the star reliever handles the pressure of closing games in Southern California as the Dodgers push for another deep postseason run.