LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially ended one of the biggest free agent rumors of the offseason, reportedly signing star closer Edwin Díaz in a contract that cements their commitment to a historic three-peat effort.
While the exact final figure of the new contract is still being finalized, the buzz centers around Díaz’s decision to opt out of the final two years of his $102 million deal with the New York Mets to seek an even larger, record-setting contract—a deal the Dodgers were clearly willing to provide.
The $102 Million Man Becomes a Dodger
Díaz, the two-time National League Reliever of the Year, becomes the centerpiece acquisition the Dodgers desperately needed to solidify their bullpen.
- The Opt-Out: Díaz made the bold choice to walk away from the remaining $38 million on his prior five-year, $102 million contract with the Mets after another dominant 2025 season (28 saves, 1.63 ERA). This signaled his expectation to reset the market for relievers once again.
- The Dodgers’ Need: Despite winning back-to-back World Series titles, the Dodgers’ bullpen was their most significant vulnerability in 2025. After closer Tanner Scott struggled and Roki Sasaki was moved into the role for the playoffs, the team needed a permanent, elite solution.
- The Perfect Fit: Díaz, 31, immediately slots in as the undisputed closer, giving manager Dave Roberts the established, All-Star caliber arm they have lacked since Kenley Jansen’s departure.
Impact and Contract Projections
The final contract is expected to exceed the value of his previous deal, potentially reaching a new benchmark for relief pitchers.
| Contract Component | Projection | Rationale |
| Years | 4 to 5 Years | Long-term stability is what Díaz seeks after opting out. |
| Average Annual Value (AAV) | $\mathbf{\$20.5}$ – $\mathbf{\$22}$ Million | Expected to break the previous record set by Díaz himself, with final guaranteed money likely falling in the $80 – $105 million range. |
| Immediate Roster Impact | Solves the 9th Inning | Relieves pressure on Roki Sasaki (who can now return to the starting rotation) and prevents the repeated bullpen meltdowns that plagued the 2025 regular season. |
The signing is a clear statement that the Dodgers are maintaining their aggressive spending strategy, prioritizing their biggest area of need to chase an unprecedented World Series three-peat.
