Los Angeles Dodgers won the free agent market Tuesday, agreeing to a three-year, $69 million deal with former New York Mets pitcher Edwin Diazsources told ESPN's Jeff Passan and Jorge Castillo on Tuesday.
The Dodgers' deal, which was aimed at helping the bullpen this winter, set the average annual value for a relief pitcher.
Diaz, a three-time All-Star, recorded a 1.63 ERA and converted 28 of 31 save chances for the Mets last season. Possessing an elite combination of a high-velocity fastball and a brutal slider, the 31-year-old Diaz has posted a high strikeout rate throughout his career. In 2025, Diaz struck out 98 in 66â…“ innings while walking just 14 batters.
The Dodgers entered the offseason with a clear need in the back of the bullpen after their relievers combined for a 4.27 ERA and blew 27 saves, the seventh-most in the majors. By October, the state of their bullpen was so bad that the Dodgers used their starting pitching depth to supplement it by moving Rocky Sasaki to get closer when using similar Emmet Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski and sometimes Tyler Glasnow in minor roles.
Diaz now strengthens the ninth inning, with Tanner Scottwho the Dodgers hope will bounce back from a disastrous first season in Los Angeles, has been named as his mentor. Similar Alex Vecia, Blake Treinen, Anthony Banda And Brusdar Graterolthe latter of whom is returning from shoulder surgery, headlined what the organization considers a large number of assistants.
“Getting a powerhouse reliever is never a bad thing,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters Monday at the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.
Now that their biggest need has been addressed, the Dodgers are expected to target an outfielder, likely through a trade.
Diaz waived the two-year, $38 million guarantee that remained in the five-year contract he signed to remain with the Mets in 2022. The contract was considered a rare five-year commitment for a relief pitcher, but it ended after three seasons when he decided to test the open market.
The Mets offered Diaz a $22.025 million qualifying offer, which he declined by the November 18 deadline. Because he signed with a new team, New York will receive a compensatory draft pick after the fourth round.
The Mets signed on December 1st. Devin Williams To three-year, $51 million deal as insurance if Diaz goes elsewhere.
Diaz's time with the Mets was marked by wild fluctuations from year to year. He posted an ERA below 2.00 three times, but in other years he was 3.45 or worse, making six or more saves in each of those three campaigns.
Diaz missed the 2023 season altogether after suffering a serious knee injury while celebrating his save in that year's World Baseball Classic. The Mets acquired him in 2018 as part of a seven-player trade with the Mets. Seattle Mariners.
His 253 career saves since reaching the majors in 2016 are tied with Raisel Iglesias on the second – behind Kenley Jansen (334) during that period, according to ESPN Research.
ESPN's Bradford Doolittle and Alden Gonzalez contributed to this report.
