Reliever Edwin Díaz has agreed to a three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the highest average annual value for a reliever in MLB history. The deal became official on Friday, with Díaz introduced at a press conference in Los Angeles where he revealed his new uniform number. He chose No. 3 in honor of his three sons after his preferred No. 39 was unavailable due to its retirement for Roy Campanella.
Edwin Díaz, who wore No. 39 throughout his Major League career, joined the Dodgers after opting out of the remaining two years of his contract with the Mets and declining their qualifying offer. The signing bolsters a Dodgers bullpen coming off back-to-back championships and a 4.27 ERA in relief last season. It follows their acquisition of Tanner Scott on a four-year, $72 million deal in the previous offseason.
During his introductory press conference on Friday, Díaz expressed excitement about pitching in the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium with his signature entrance music, 'Narco' by Timmy Trumpet. 'I can't wait to, first game of the season, come in in the ninth with Timmy Trumpet and get the 'W' for the Dodgers,' he told reporters.
Díaz cited the Dodgers' winning culture as a key factor in his decision, despite the difficulty of leaving New York. 'It wasn't easy,' he said. 'I chose the Dodgers because they're a winning organization, and they have everything to win. It will be pretty easy to win.' His brother, Alexis Díaz, who briefly played for the Dodgers after a trade from Cincinnati in May, also praised the organization, influencing Edwin's choice.
The Dodgers view Díaz as a fit for their closer role, given his career 2.82 ERA, 253 saves, and 839 strikeouts in 519 1/3 innings. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman highlighted Díaz's competitiveness and selflessness. 'Sugar checks all those boxes,' Friedman said, referring to Díaz by his nickname.
General manager Brandon Gomes emphasized the addition's impact. 'The opportunity to add somebody of this caliber to what's already a really talented bullpen... we're really fired up that it did.' This marks Díaz's return to the West Coast since his time with the Mariners in 2018.
