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ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Dodgers downplayed expectations, but once again, they're making a big offseason splash. Free-agent reliever Edwin Díaz and the Dodgers have agreed to a three-year, $69 million deal, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand on Tuesday morning. The club has not confirmed the deal. Díaz opted out
Free-agent closer Edwin Díaz has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $69 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This move comes after Díaz opted out of the remaining two years and $38 million of his contract with the Mets, effectively adding an extra year and $31 million guaranteed. His decision favored the Dodgers over a slightly lower three-year, $66 million offer from the Mets, making him the top reliever on the market and following his record-setting $102 million deal with New York in 2023.
The Dodgers' acquisition of Díaz comes with significant implications, as they will forfeit their second- and fifth-highest 2026 Draft selections and $1 million from their international bonus pool due to Díaz declining a qualifying offer from the Mets. This marks the second consecutive offseason the Dodgers have made a substantial investment in their bullpen, following the four-year, $72 million deal for Tanner Scott before the 2025 season. Despite Scott's struggles with a 4.74 ERA and 10 blown saves in his first season, the Dodgers are confident in his rebound, with Díaz now expected to anchor the closer's role.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of a high-leverage reliever, expressing belief in Tanner Scott's future improvement while welcoming Díaz's impact. Edwin Díaz, 31, has re-established himself as one of MLB's elite closers after missing the 2023 season due to a torn patellar tendon. In 2025, he recorded 28 saves for the Mets with an impressive 1.63 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings, ranking second among relievers with at least 50 innings pitched in ERA and strikeout rate. Throughout his nine-season career with the Mariners and Mets, Díaz has delivered historic performances, including 57 saves in 2018, and enters the 2026 season with 253 career saves, placing him among the active leaders.
Despite earlier suggestions of a more conservative offseason, the Dodgers seized the opportunity to add Díaz, aligning with General Manager Brandon Gomes's philosophy of acquiring 'impact talent.' This move directly addresses the team's bullpen vulnerabilities from 2025, where the unit posted a combined 4.27 ERA and lacked consistent stability in save situations. With Díaz providing the much-needed assurance at the back end, the Dodgers are positioning themselves for greater bullpen stability as they pursue a potential third consecutive championship, building on the temporary success seen with Roki Sasaki as a postseason closer.