Edwin Diaz’s departure from New York did not go unnoticed. More than just a free agency decision, the star reliever turned his choice into a direct message: his priority now is to win, which is why he chose the Dodgers for this new chapter in his career.
Edwin Diaz prioritizes championship over loyalty
For Edwin Diaz, the process was clearer than many imagined. Between the Mets and the Dodgers, the Puerto Rican did not hesitate to lean towards the project he considers more competitive. He explained that, at this stage of his career, his focus is entirely on competing for titles immediately.
We have a team that is going to win. At this point in my career, I’m looking for a team that has a chance to win
“The decision was between the Mets and the Dodgers, and I chose the Dodgers because, again, I think they’re going to win and I’m going to do well there,” said Diaz.
With these statements, Diaz hints that the balance tilted towards the winning culture of Los Angeles and the good streak they maintain with the two-time championship.
These words were interpreted by many fans at Citi Field as a public snub, especially after years in which Diaz was one of the faces of the Mets bullpen.
Kike Hernandez’s influence on Edwin Diaz’s decision
Behind the choice of Diaz was a determining influence. Kike Hernandez, current Dodgers player and compatriot of the pitcher, shared an honest conversation about what it means to wear the uniform of Los Angeles.
“I told him, if you sign with the Dodgers, you won’t regret it one bit,” Hernandez revealed during an interview, making it clear that he did not hesitate to recommend the jump to the Los Angeles organization.
The combination of shared roots, playoff experience and a winning mentality convinced Diaz that Dodger Stadium was the right place to continue his career.
The Dodgers see him as their elite closer
The numbers back up that confidence. Since his debut in 2016, Diaz has been one of the most dominant relievers in the league. In his most recent campaign he posted a 1.63 ERA in 62 appearances and has reached at least 20 saves in almost all of his full seasons.
The arrival of Diaz responds to a clear need. The Dodgers’ bullpen had serious problems in 2025, with a collective ERA of 4.27 and 27 blown saves. This instability forced the front office to look for a reliable solution to close out games.
The three-year contract, with conditional options and bonuses for games finished, reflects a smart gamble: win now, but with incentives that reward long-term consistency. For a 31-year-old closer, the deal offers a balance between security and competitive ambition.
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