ESPN reported on December 9, citing sources, that the Los Angeles Dodgers landed the top closer available in free agency as they signed former New York Mets reliever Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million deal.
The Dodgers focused on bolstering their bullpen this offseason, and the contract set a new benchmark for a reliever’s average annual value.
Last season, Diaz allowed only 14 walks across 66⅓ innings while fanning 98 hitters, finishing 28 of 31 save chances and posting a 1.63 ERA for the Mets. With the veteran closer opting to head to Los Angeles, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, David Stearns, spoke with SNY, who didn’t want to get the executive’s reaction to the news.
“I’ve certainly seen the reporting, but because it’s not official, I can’t comment on it at this point,” Stearns said on December 9. “Certainly understand there’s going to be a lot of questions, but at this point I’ve got to stay pretty mum on it.”
David Stearns Sends Message to Mets Fans
With Stearns not talking about the reported Diaz deal that will see him become a Dodger, the SNY panel did ask the Mets president to speak to the fans, as they might not be buying into his vision for the team, as their free agent closer heads out the door.
“We are very optimistic and confident about where our organization is headed,” Stearns added. “We have tremendous ownership support, strong top-end talent at the major league level, and one of the best farm systems in baseball. When you add it all up, we are moving in an outstanding direction.
“I understand that our fan base is frustrated with how our season ended last year. We didn’t meet our expectations and have to do better. I also understand the attachment to players who have been here and performed for a long time. We take that into account when making decisions.
“We also have to make choices that allow us to compete now while fitting into future years, where we want to consistently have a World Series-caliber team and organization. Sometimes that requires tough, uncomfortable decisions, and we’ve made a few this offseason.”
Ken Rosenthal Talks Dodgers Signing Edwin Diaz
The MLB news of the day on December 9 was the Dodgers splurging on a closer who will hopefully solve their late-inning issues from 2025.
Los Angeles headed into the offseason with a clear priority: strengthen its late-inning pitching. The bullpen struggled last season, finishing with a 4.27 ERA and blowing 27 saves, one of the worst totals in MLB.
On the December 9 edition of “Foul Territory,” MLB insider Ken Rosenthal shared his thoughts on the deal that he didn’t expect coming from the Dodgers.
“Diaz was a stunner, and everyone knew that the Dodgers were in on relievers, late-inning relievers,” Rosenthal said. “But the feeling was that only on a one-year deal or short term, they wouldn’t necessarily want a qualifying offer guy, lose two draft picks.
“Well, they went to three years. They lost two draft picks and a million dollars in international bonus money, and they’re acting like the Dodgers always act. We probably shouldn’t have been surprised by any of this.”
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