The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a bold statement, securing the services of Edwin Díaz with a historic contract. The Dodgers, fresh off back-to-back World Series titles, are aiming for a three-peat, and Díaz, now the highest-paid reliever in baseball history, is central to their plan.
The Dodgers have inked Díaz to a three-year deal valued at $69 million. This surpasses his previous five-year, $38 million contract with the New York Mets, showcasing the team’s confidence in the Cuban superstar. The Mets offered a three-year, $66 million deal with potential deferrals, but Díaz opted for the Dodgers’ more aggressive offer. This move triggers a compensatory draft pick for the Mets – they’ll receive a pick after the fourth round.
Díaz’s year with the Mets was a mixed bag – showcasing dominant stretches with sub-2.00 ERAs, punctuated by inconsistent periods with ERAs exceeding 3.45 and blown saves. Adding to the challenges, he missed the entire 2023 season due to a freak knee injury. Despite these issues, Díaz’s career totals – 253 career saves (tied for second behind Kenley Jansen) – and his massive average annual salary of $23 million, secured him this lucrative deal. This surpasses his previous Mets contract’s average of $20.4 million.
The Dodgers’ signing of Díaz addresses a glaring weakness in their bullpen. Throughout the season, struggles from key signings like Tanner Scott led to unsustainable situations, forcing starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto to pitch crucial innings on zero days’ rest. Díaz immediately becomes the anchor of a revamped bullpen, solidifying the ninth inning.
Edwin Díaz Contract Details:
* Contract Length: Three years
* Total Value: $69 million
* Average Annual Salary: $23 million
How Long Is Edwin Díaz’s New Contract? – Overview of Deal Duration:
The Dodgers’ agreement with Díaz is for three seasons, a strategic decision given their existing roster commitments. The contract prioritizes immediate stability without committing to long-term salary obligations.
What Is the Dodgers’ Strategy in Signing Edwin Díaz?
The signing is a necessity, not a luxury. The Dodgers’ bullpen was a major liability throughout the season.
Current Bullpen Picture:
* Closer: Edwin Díaz
* Setup: Blake Treinen, Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia
* Middle Relief: Anthony Banda, Brusdar Graterol, Jack Dreyer, Will Klein
* Long Relief: Ben Casparius
* Depth: Edgardo Henriquez, Justin Wrobleski
Looking ahead, with the ninth inning now locked down, the Dodgers’ focus will shift towards adding an outfielder. The team’s 4.27 ERA and 27 blown saves last season highlighted the need for immediate reinforcements.