The free agency market has been shaken by the decision of star closer Edwin Diaz, who opted to join the Los Angeles Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million contract, despite receiving a very similar offer from his former team, the New York Mets.
The player’s decision was quite surprising, but he himself explained the case, where he assures that he is joining a winning team and that although the choice was not easy, he is very satisfied and motivated with what is coming this season.
Edwin Diaz speaks after leaving the Mets
During his official presentation with the Dodgers, the three-time Reliever of the Year explained the reasons behind his surprising move, noting that the main difference lay in Los Angeles’ winning culture.
I chose the Dodgers because they’re a winning organization. I’m looking to win
To be honest, choosing the Dodgers was pretty easy
Los Angeles Dodgers, the ideal destination to win
This move underscores the winning reputation that surrounds the Dodgers in the offseason. The team, which boasts a star-studded core including
Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman
, as well as a strengthened starting rotation led by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is positioned as the destination of choice for those seeking a World Series ring.
With the acquisition of Diaz, who is coming off a spectacular season with a 1.63 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 66 innings, the Dodgers are addressing their only noticeable weakness: the bullpen.
Diaz’s decision is a strong message for big-market teams like the Mets, where while there are financial resources to bring in great players, that is not everything, as the winning aura of the Dodgers weighs more and the players only want that, to win.
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