On December 9, 2025, the defending World Series Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, added another All-Star player to their already absurd roster.
Going into free agency this year, the Dodgers were looking to fix holes in their bullpen, a spot on their roster that has been punishing them when it mattered the most.
In one of the biggest bullpen upgrades of the MLB (Major League Baseball) offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers have officially signed All-Star closer Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million dollar contract.
This move adds one of the game’s most dominant relievers to a roster built for championships.
The perennial All-Star opted out of the remaining two years of his contract with the New York Mets earlier this year, which was set to yield him $38 million dollars.
At an introductory press conference held at Dodger Stadium on December 12th 2025, Edwin Diaz explained his reasoning behind signing with the Dodgers, as opposed to returning with the New York Mets.
“I chose the Dodgers because they’re a winning organization,” Diaz said, adding onto the fact that Los Angeles offered him the best opportunity to compete for a championship.
The three-year deal sets a record for the highest “AAV” (Average Annual Value) for a relief pitcher, with Diaz earning around $23 million dollars per season.
However, this money wasn’t given to Diaz for fun.
This investment reflects both his elite recent performance on the mound, including a 1.63 earned run average with 28 saves in 2025. Overall, the move reflects on Los Angeles’ commitment to fix weak spots on their roster.
Unfortunately, due to the late-legend Roy Campanella’s number 39 being retired by the Dodgers, Edwin Diaz will transition from his longtime No. 39 (which he has used his entire career), to No.3, honoring his three sons.
General Manager Brandon Gomes commented on their decision to sign Diaz, stating “For us, adding an elite closer was a priority. Diaz brings postseason experience and dominance that we believe will be a difference maker.”
From a fan’s perspective, the move brings a bit of culture into the stadium. Edwin Diaz plans to keep his iconic “Narco” entrance music, meaning that the iconic trumpets will blare once more in Chavez Ravine.
The question is, will the Dodgers continue to add on top of Diaz? Only time will tell.
