On Friday afternoon, former Mets closer Edwin Diaz signed a three‑year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the first time the veteran addressed the media since joining the team.
Signing and Media Debut
Diaz appeared behind a podium in the press‑conference room, with his family in the front row. He wore the Dodgers’ iconic jersey for the first time, grinning as he explained why he chose the back‑to‑back World Series champions.
Reasons for Joining
Flanked by Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes, Diaz said he had spoken with his brother Alexis—who pitched for Los Angeles from the bullpen last season—and fellow Puerto Rican Kiké Hernández before deciding.
> “I talked to Alexis a little bit when the conversations were getting closer. He told me that they are a really good organization that treats every player the same,” Diaz said. “That was something I was looking for. He told me nothing but great things about the Dodgers, and that made the decision easy for me.”
Diaz also reflected on his seven seasons with the Mets, noting that New York never reached the World Series during that span, whereas the Dodgers have appeared five times in the last eight seasons.
> “This wasn’t an easy decision. I spent seven years in New York,” Diaz said. “I chose the Dodgers because they are a winning organization and I’m looking to win.”
Dodgers’ Closer Situation
The Dodgers have not had a dedicated closer since 2021, when Kenley Jansen left for the Atlanta Braves. Over the past few years the club signed former closers—including All‑Star Tanner Scott—yet none have delivered consistently.
Scott, who signed a record‑setting deal last season, posted an MLB‑worst 10 saves and a 4.74 ERA in 2025 and missed most of the postseason after an abscess removal.
Friedman and Gomes explained that while they were not actively seeking a new closer, Diaz’s pedigree made the offer irresistible.
> “I think this was more the opportunity to get ‘Sugar’ and add him to our mix,” Friedman said. “We have a high bar. To name someone our closer. You have to be one of the best. You have to be elite and dominant at what you do, and ‘Sugar’ is that.”
The Dodgers have relied on a “closer by committee” strategy in recent playoffs, a method that earned them two titles but left the ninth inning uncertain. With Diaz on the roster, the team hopes to stop relying on starting pitchers for save situations.
Diaz’s Background and Style
The 31‑year‑old, known as “Sugar” by teammates, earned the nickname in high school after his travel‑ball team compared him to the protagonist of the 2008 film Sugar. His fastball‑slider mix made the name stick when he became a dominant closer for the Seattle Mariners.
Diaz told reporters that his success stems from treating each out as a separate moment, avoiding romanticizing the closer role.
> “The final three outs of the game are by far the most important, and most difficult, but my ability to remain in the present moment, and immediately flush away the results, good or bad, has helped me in my career,” Diaz said.
He highlighted his three‑time All‑Star and three‑time Reliever of the Year Award achievements as evidence of his approach.
Jersey Number and Walk‑Out Song
Diaz chose number 3 for his new Dodgers uniform, a departure from the 39 he wore throughout his career. The Dodgers had retired the 39 for Roy Campanella on June 4, 1972.
> “I talked to my wife. We have three kids. We chose number three for my three sons,” Diaz said.
Beyond the number, Diaz is famous for his walk‑out song at Citi Field—EDM track “Narco” by Blasterjaxx featuring a trumpet solo by Timmy Trumpet. Trumpet, an Australian musician, performed the song live at Citi Field in 2022.
Diaz confirmed he will keep the same walk‑out song with the Dodgers and expressed excitement about the trumpet solo echoing off the San Gabriel Mountains.
> “I think the fans will love that music right away,” Diaz said. “I can’t wait to come out in the ninth to Timmy Trumpet in the first game of the season and get the win for the Dodgers.”
Key Takeaways
- Edwin Diaz has signed a three‑year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers, becoming their new closer.
- Diaz’s decision was influenced by family discussions, a winning Dodgers culture, and his desire to win a World Series.
- The Dodgers plan to rely on Diaz to handle closing duties, moving away from the “closer by committee” approach.
With Diaz on the roster, the ninth inning at Chavez Ravine is poised to feel less uncertain and more inevitable than ever before.
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