ORLANDO, FL — Entering the off-season, Dodgers have made it clear that they will be conservative when it comes to calling on bullpen help.
It turned out that they were secretly preparing one of the most unexpected and impressive signings of the winter.
The team agreed to a three-year, $69 million contract with its top free agent on Tuesday. Edwin DiazSnatching the three-time All-Star and three-time Sniper of the Year award winner in a move that will shake up their previously shaky bullpen, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly.
Diaz, 31, was named the top relief pitcher in this year's free agent class. Over his nine-year career, he has a 2.82 ERA and 253 saves. Last season with the New York Mets, he had one of his best campaigns, posting a 1.63 ERA with 28 saves in 31 innings and striking out 98 batters in 66 1/3 innings.
That track record allowed Diaz to become the highest-paid striker on the market this year, with most forecasts suggesting he would sign a five-year contract. Because of this, the Dodgers appeared to have a strong chance of signing him, with the club believed to have opted for a shorter-term deal after watching their big signings (namely Tanner Scott) struggle last offseason with a bullpen that ranked just 21st in ERA.
However, the Dodgers' approach has begun to change slightly in recent weeks.
The team had strong interest in Devin Williams even before he signed with the New York Mets and remained in the running even as his offers reached the level of multi-year offers.
This week they expressed interest in Robert Suarez, another influential player who is likely to sign a multi-year contract.
Then, on Tuesday morning, they stunned the Winter Meetings by unexpectedly signing Diaz, giving the right-hander the largest contract by average annual value for a relief pitcher in MLB history.
This This is a developing story and will be updated.
