The Dodgers have agreed to a three-year deal with free-agent relief pitcher Edwin Diaz in a move to bolster the team’s bullpen, MLB.com reported Tuesday morning.
Citing a source, MLB.com reported that the 31-year-old Diaz and the back-to-back World Series champions agreed to a three-year deal worth $69 million. NBCLA has not confirmed the deal, also reported by the Los Angeles Times and ESPN.
Diaz opted out of the remaining two years with the New York Mets. The right-hander had 28 saves with a 1.63 ERA and 98 strikeouts last season.
His ERA was the second-lowest among relief pitchers who threw at least 50 innings.
Diaz joined the Mets from Seattle after the 2018 season and agree to a five-year deal with New York after the 2022 season. He missed the 2023 season after suffering a serious knee injury during a post-game celebration with Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic.
The move shores up a Dodgers bullpen with a three-time All-Star and three-time Reliever of the Year award winner. The team relied on Roki Sasaki to step into a relief role as a closer, which he filled admirably during the team’s championship run.
Los Angeles relievers had a 4.27 ERA, ranking 21st among the 30 MLB teams.
The deal marks another splash free-agent signing for the Dodgers in recent years, including four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani (2023), ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (2023), slugger Freddie Freeman (2022) and starting pitcher Blake Snell (2024).
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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