The Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized a three-year, $69 million deal with former New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. The contract sets a new average annual value record for relief pitchers at $23 million per season.
Diaz, 31, opted out of the two years and $38 million remaining on his five-year deal with the Mets to test free agency. The Dodgers targeted bullpen help this offseason and secured the best closer available on the market.
The three-time All-Star posted a 1.63 ERA last season and converted 28 of 31 save opportunities for New York. Diaz struck out 98 batters in 66 1/3 innings while walking just 14, showcasing the elite combination of high-velocity fastball and devastating slider that has defined his career.
The right-hander declined a $22.025 million qualifying offer from the Mets by the Nov. 18 deadline. New York will receive a compensatory draft pick after the fourth round as compensation for losing Diaz.
Diaz\'s tenure with the Mets featured significant year-to-year inconsistency. He posted ERAs under 2.00 three times but also registered marks of 3.45 or higher in other seasons, blowing six or more saves in each of those campaigns.
He missed the entire 2023 season after suffering a serious knee injury while celebrating a save during the World Baseball Classic. The Mets originally acquired Diaz from the Seattle Mariners in a seven-player trade in 2018.
The signing addresses Los Angeles\' bullpen needs following their World Series championship run. Diaz provides the Dodgers with a proven closer to anchor the back end of their relief corps.
Via Jeff Passan/ESPN
