Edwin Díaz Joins Dodgers in $69M Free Agency Deal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Star closer Edwin Díaz is leaving the New York Mets to join the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million deal. The Dodgers, seeking bullpen reinforcements, add a veteran with a dominant track record. Díaz’s departure follows the Mets’ signing of Devin Williams as their new closer.
Edwin Díaz Dodgers Deal Quick Looks:
- Edwin Díaz signs three-year, $69 million deal with Dodgers.
- Deal includes deferred payments, pending successful physical.
- Díaz leaves Mets after nine MLB seasons with 253 saves.
- Dodgers bullpen struggled in 2025, ranked 21st in ERA.
- Díaz joins a pen featuring Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, and others.
- Mets respond by signing Devin Williams from the Yankees.
- Díaz had 28 saves, 1.63 ERA for Mets in 2025.
- Missed 2023 due to knee injury at World Baseball Classic.
- Former five-year Mets deal included $102 million, now opted out.
- Mets’ roster continues to change, with Alonso’s future uncertain.
Deep Look
Edwin Díaz Exits Mets, Signs $69 Million Contract with Dodgers
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Los Angeles Dodgers are bolstering their bullpen in championship fashion, landing star closer Edwin Díaz in a high-profile three-year, $69 million agreement. A person familiar with the negotiations confirmed the deal on condition of anonymity, as it remains pending a physical.
The Dodgers, fresh off their 2025 World Series title, continue to build on their powerhouse roster. The Díaz signing addresses a key need in the bullpen, which faltered throughout last season with a 4.27 ERA — ranking 21st in the majors.
Díaz, a three-time All-Star who turns 32 in March, leaves the New York Mets after five seasons that featured dominance, drama, and a cult following built around his electric entrances to “Narco” by Blasterjaxx & Timmy Trumpet. His deal with Los Angeles includes deferred payments, adding to the Dodgers’ ballooning deferred payroll obligations, which now total over $1 billion through 2046.
Boras on the Move: “Goliath Gets What He Wants”
Though not Díaz’s agent, Scott Boras described the signing in mythic terms. “The Dodgers are the Goliath,” Boras said. “They went and got something they really needed.”
He continued, “The player clearly felt he could achieve his goals differently with the Dodgers than with the Mets. When Goliath snaps his fingers, he gets what he wants.”
Mets Move On with Devin Williams
New York, perhaps anticipating Díaz’s departure, moved swiftly to sign reliever Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million deal. Williams joins the Mets after one season with the Yankees and brings a strong track record as a late-inning arm.
“I’ve certainly seen Devin perform at a very high level for a long time,” said Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns. “Have full confidence that he can be one of the best relievers in baseball.”
While Stearns declined to directly comment on Díaz’s exit, he remained optimistic. “We certainly have work to do, but there are many good players out there. I’m confident we’ll like where our team is once we get to opening day.”
Díaz’s Career: From Seattle to Queens to L.A.
Díaz debuted with the Seattle Mariners in 2016 before being traded to the Mets in a blockbuster deal in 2018 that included Robinson Canó and prospects like Jarred Kelenic. He has tallied 253 career saves in 294 opportunities, with a career ERA of 2.95.
In 2025, he was back to top form:
- 28 saves in 31 chances
- 1.63 ERA
- 6-3 record
- 98 strikeouts in 66.1 innings
His career was briefly derailed in 2023 when he tore the patellar tendon in his right knee during a World Baseball Classic celebration with Team Puerto Rico, causing him to miss the entire MLB season.
He had signed a record-setting five-year, $102 million deal with the Mets after the 2022 season — the largest contract ever for a reliever at the time. The deal allowed Díaz to opt out after three years and $64 million, which he has now exercised. Of that original figure, $15.5 million is deferred and will be paid through 2039.
Dodgers’ Bullpen Outlook
The Dodgers are expected to pair Díaz with left-hander Tanner Scott, who struggled with elbow inflammation in 2025 after signing a four-year, $72 million contract. Other arms include Jack Dreyer, Anthony Banda, and Alex Vesia, but Díaz brings proven closer experience and postseason readiness.
The addition may free the Dodgers from using young ace Roki Sasaki in relief roles, as they did during their playoff run last season.
Mets in Transition
Díaz’s departure continues a reshuffling of the Mets’ roster. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo was recently traded to Texas, and first baseman Pete Alonso, now a free agent, is in discussions with multiple teams. His future with the Mets remains uncertain as winter meetings unfold.
While the Mets aim to stay competitive, the Dodgers remain aggressive in sustaining their dynasty. By adding Díaz, Los Angeles once again signals its intent to remain at the top of the baseball world — and it’s doing so by stacking elite talent.
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