Edwin Díaz, the three‑time Reliever of the Year, has agreed to a $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a move that could reshape the club’s bullpen heading into the next season.
The agreement comes after the right‑hander underwent surgery to clear loose bodies from his elbow in April, a procedure that landed him on the injured list and delayed his debut with the club. In his limited appearances for Single‑A Ontario, Díaz has already posted seven strikeouts while surrendering just a single hit across four outings, underscoring the progress of his recovery.
A potential showdown with an old rival
Manager Dave Roberts has not closed the door on Díaz making his return in the upcoming series against the New York Mets, the team with which he spent the first half of his career. Such a matchup would add a narrative layer to the Dodgers’ rotation, pitting the veteran reliever against the club that first launched his rise.
Tanner Scott, who has served as the Dodgers’ closer this season, is expected to slide into a setup role should Díaz reclaim the ninth‑inning mantle. Scott’s own journey has been marked by a bounce‑back effort after a challenging 2025 campaign, and his chemistry with Díaz could provide the late‑game stability the Dodgers have sought.
The financial commitment reflects the Dodgers’ confidence in Díaz’s upside, especially given his 1.63 ERA and 28 saves in the previous season, accolades that earned him the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award. If the right‑hander can stay healthy, his presence could elevate a bullpen that already boasts depth, while also adding a compelling storyline for fans eager to see the former Mets star back in a high‑stakes environment.