Dodgers Sign Edwin Díaz to Three‑Year, $69 Million Deal

In a blockbuster move that sent shockwaves through baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured 31‑year‑old right‑hander Edwin Díaz in a three‑year, $69 million contract. The deal, announced by MLB.com on Tuesday morning, was confirmed by the Los Angeles Times and ESPN, though the National Baseball Contract Labor Association had not yet ratified it. Díaz signed the agreement Friday afternoon, and later that day addressed reporters at a news conference.

Signing Details

The three‑year contract carries a total value of $69 million, a figure reported by MLB.com and corroborated by other media outlets. The agreement was reached after Díaz opted out of the remaining two years of his contract with the New York Mets. The Dodgers, seeking to strengthen a bullpen that finished last season with a 4.27 ERA and ranked 21st among the 30 Major League Baseball teams, welcomed the veteran reliever.

Diaz’s Performance Last Season

Last season, Díaz recorded 28 saves, posted a 1.63 earned run average, and struck out 98 batters over 50 or more innings pitched. His ERA was the second‑lowest among relief pitchers who met the innings threshold. These statistics underscored his effectiveness as a closer and earned him a reputation as one of the league’s top relievers.

Opting Out and Career Timeline

By choosing to terminate his remaining Mets contract, Díaz freed himself to pursue a new opportunity. He joined the Mets organization from Seattle after the 2018 season and later signed a five‑year deal with New York following the 2022 season. The Mets’ bullpen had relied on Roki Sasaki to fill a closer role during their championship run.

Injury and Missed Season

Diaz missed the entire 2023 season due to a serious knee injury sustained during a post‑game celebration with Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic. The injury prevented him from participating in any games that year, delaying his return to professional play.

Dodgers Bullpen Context

The Dodgers’ bullpen struggled last season, compiling a 4.27 ERA that positioned them 21st in the league. The addition of Diaz, a three‑time All‑Star and three‑time Reliever of the Year award winner, is expected to elevate the team’s late‑inning performance.

Roki Sasaki’s Role

During the Dodgers’ championship run, Roki Sasaki stepped into a relief role as a closer, performing admirably in high‑pressure situations. His success highlighted the need for a reliable veteran presence, a gap Diaz is poised to fill.

Diaz’s Accolades

Diaz’s career has been decorated with multiple honors, including three All‑Star selections and three Reliever of the Year awards. His experience and track record make him a valuable asset for any team seeking bullpen stability.

Recent Free‑Agent Signings

The Dodgers have made several high‑profile free‑agent acquisitions in recent years. These include four‑time MVP Shohei Ohtani (2023), ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (2023), slugger Freddie Freeman (2022), and starting pitcher Blake Snell (2024). Diaz’s signing continues this trend of bolstering the roster with top talent.

Impact for the Dodgers

Adding Diaz to the bullpen addresses a critical weakness identified in the team’s previous season. His presence is expected to improve late‑game outcomes and provide the Dodgers with a dependable closer in the postseason.

Key Takeaways

• Edwin Díaz signed a three‑year, $69 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• His last season featured 28 saves, a 1.63 ERA, and 98 strikeouts.
• The Dodgers’ bullpen ranked 21st in ERA before the signing.

In summary, the Dodgers’ acquisition of Edwin Díaz represents a strategic effort to strengthen a bullpen that struggled last season, adding a proven closer to the roster as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign.