Edwin Diaz: Blown Saves | Dodgers Contract | Salary | Reddit | Savant

Edwin Diaz entered the 2026 MLB season as one of baseball’s most highly paid relief pitchers. The Los Angeles Dodgers signed the former New York Mets closer to a three-year, $69 million contract, giving him a prominent role at the back of their bullpen.

However, Diaz’s first season with Los Angeles has become a major storyline because of injuries and a difficult stretch after his return. His recent blown saves have increased scrutiny around his performance, while Dodgers fans have debated his future role on Reddit and across social media.

Here is a detailed look at Edwin Diaz’s blown saves, Dodgers contract, salary, Savant numbers and the latest reaction surrounding the closer.

Edwin Diaz Dodgers contract

The Dodgers signed Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million contract in December 2025. The agreement made him the highest-paid reliever in MLB history by average annual value, at $23 million per season. 

Diaz had previously opted out of the remaining portion of his Mets contract and entered free agency. His decision eventually led him to Los Angeles, where the Dodgers added another elite arm to a bullpen that already included Tanner Scott.

The deal also contains deferred money. According to Spotrac, Diaz’s contract includes a $9 million signing bonus, while part of his compensation is deferred into future years. 

How long is Edwin Diaz under contract?

Diaz is under contract with the Dodgers through the 2028 season. There is also a conditional club option for 2029 connected to a specific injury scenario. 

That means Los Angeles has made a substantial long-term investment in the veteran closer despite the problems that have emerged during his first year with the organization.

Edwin Diaz salary

Diaz’s average annual salary is $23 million, the highest AAV ever for an MLB reliever when the contract was signed. 

His 2026 compensation is structured differently from the headline $23 million figure. Spotrac lists a $14 million base salary plus a $9 million signing bonus, with $17 million counted as his 2026 payroll salary under its accounting. 

The contract structure is important because the Dodgers use deferred compensation extensively. Some of Diaz’s money will be paid well after his playing career.

Why has Edwin Diaz had blown saves?

The biggest concern for the Dodgers has been Diaz’s performance in the ninth inning.

On August 14, Diaz blew his third save in his last four appearances, according to MLB. The latest collapse came after Los Angeles carried a two-run lead into the ninth inning. 

The struggles have followed his return from an elbow issue. Diaz spent significant time on the injured list after loose bodies were found in his right elbow. MLB’s transaction record shows that he was placed on the injured list in April and later transferred to the 60-day IL in May. 

His return initially gave the Dodgers an experienced option at the back of the bullpen. Yet his recent outings have raised questions about whether he is fully back to his previous level.

Edwin Diaz injury

Diaz’s 2026 season was interrupted by loose bodies in his right elbow.

The Dodgers placed him on the 15-day injured list on April 20, and he was transferred to the 60-day injured list on May 10. He subsequently began a minor-league rehabilitation assignment before returning to the Dodgers. 

The injury is particularly relevant when evaluating his recent performance because Diaz has been one of baseball’s hardest-throwing relievers throughout his career.

Recent reports have noted that his fastball has still reached the upper 90s, but his overall effectiveness has been inconsistent since returning. 

Edwin Diaz Savant stats

Baseball Savant provides a useful look at Diaz’s underlying performance.

The 2026 Statcast data shows Diaz’s average exit velocity allowed at approximately 89.2 mph in the data currently listed by MLB’s Statcast database. His expected statistics have also shown some deterioration compared with the dominant version of Diaz that Dodgers fans expected. 

Baseball Savant also records his 2026 transactions and injury timeline, including his rehabilitation assignments and return to Los Angeles. 

Statcast numbers should be viewed alongside traditional statistics. A reliever can have excellent velocity and strikeout ability while still struggling if command, pitch movement or contact quality deteriorates.

That appears to be part of the current discussion surrounding Diaz.

Edwin Diaz 2026 stats

Before leaving the Mets after the 2025 season, Diaz had another excellent campaign. He finished 2025 with 28 saves and a 1.63 ERA in 62 appearances, according to MLB. It was his fourth season with an ERA below 2.00. 

His 2026 Dodgers season has been much more complicated because of the elbow injury and subsequent struggles.

The available Statcast Dodgers data lists Diaz with 17 batters faced in the current 2026 sample shown in its advanced pitching section, while his overall season workload has been affected substantially by the lengthy IL stint. 

The key issue now is not simply the number of saves. It is whether Diaz can regain the command and swing-and-miss ability that made him one of MLB’s premier closers.

Edwin Diaz on Reddit

Reddit reaction to Diaz has become increasingly divided.

Following his recent blown saves, some Dodgers and baseball fans have expressed frustration, while others have pointed out that the closer is coming back from an elbow injury.

One recent Reddit discussion after a blown save featured fans debating whether Diaz should continue as the closer if his struggles persist. Some users suggested alternatives such as Roki Sasaki or other high-end Dodgers arms. 

There has also been a more positive side to the conversation. In an earlier August game, Diaz escaped a ninth-inning jam and was credited with the victory, although Reddit users still debated whether the situation should have been classified as a blown save. 

Reddit comments represent fan opinion rather than official team decisions, so they should not be treated as confirmation that Diaz is losing his job.

Will Edwin Diaz lose the closer role?

At this point, the Dodgers have continued to show confidence in Diaz, but his recent performances have made the situation less certain.

A recent report suggested that Roki Sasaki could become an alternative for the postseason if Diaz cannot regain his form. Sasaki previously handled a postseason relief role and has performed strongly as a starter in 2026. 

The Dodgers also have several experienced pitchers who could potentially handle high-leverage innings.

Still, replacing a closer with Diaz’s track record is not an easy decision. His career dominance gives Los Angeles a strong reason to allow him opportunities to recover his form.

What happened to Edwin Diaz?

Diaz’s 2026 story is essentially a combination of injury, recovery and inconsistent performance.

The Dodgers invested heavily in him after he posted a 1.63 ERA and 28 saves for the Mets in 2025. 

Then came the elbow injury, which cost him a significant portion of the season. After returning, he struggled to consistently protect leads.

The problem became particularly visible during the Dodgers’ recent slump. On August 14, MLB reported that Diaz had blown three saves in his previous four appearances. 

That stretch naturally increased pressure on both Diaz and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

Is Edwin Diaz still a good closer?

Yes, his career record strongly supports the argument that Diaz remains an elite closer when healthy and mechanically sound.

His fastball velocity, strikeout ability and history of dominant seasons make him one of the most talented relief pitchers in baseball. The question is whether he can consistently reproduce that form following his elbow problem.

The Dodgers did not give Diaz $69 million because of one good month. They made the investment because of his long-term record as one of MLB’s best closers.

However, his contract also means every poor ninth inning receives more attention.

Edwin Diaz and the Dodgers’ playoff plans

The timing of Diaz’s struggles is particularly important.

The Dodgers are built to compete for another World Series, so the organization cannot afford uncertainty at the back end of games in October.

If Diaz recovers his command and effectiveness, Los Angeles could have one of baseball’s most intimidating bullpens. If the struggles continue, the Dodgers have enough pitching depth to consider alternatives.

That is why the coming weeks will be important for Diaz.

Final thoughts

Edwin Diaz’s Dodgers career has taken an unexpected turn in 2026. The three-year, $69 million contract made him the highest-paid reliever in MLB history by AAV, but an elbow injury and a recent run of blown saves have put his performance under the spotlight. 

His recent struggles should not erase his previous record. Diaz entered Los Angeles after a spectacular 2025 season with the Mets, and the Dodgers clearly believe he can return to that level.

For now, the biggest question is simple: Can Edwin Diaz regain his dominant form before the postseason?

If he does, the Dodgers’ investment could still look like a championship-caliber move. If the blown saves continue, however, Los Angeles may have to explore other options for the ninth inning.

FAQs

How much is Edwin Diaz’s Dodgers contract?

Edwin Diaz signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His $23 million average annual value was an MLB record for a relief pitcher when he signed. 

What is Edwin Diaz’s salary in 2026?

His 2026 contract structure includes a $14 million base salary and a $9 million signing bonus. Spotrac lists his 2026 payroll salary at $17 million because of the contract’s structure. 

How many blown saves does Edwin Diaz have in 2026?

His recent struggles became especially notable on August 14, when MLB reported that he had blown his third save in his last four appearances. 

What injury did Edwin Diaz have?

Diaz missed time in 2026 because of loose bodies in his right elbow. He underwent a rehabilitation process before returning to the Dodgers. 

Where can I find Edwin Diaz’s Statcast numbers?

Baseball Savant provides Diaz’s Statcast profile, advanced metrics, pitch information and transaction history. 

What are Dodgers fans saying about Edwin Diaz on Reddit?

Recent Reddit discussions have included criticism of his blown saves, debate about his closer role and suggestions that the Dodgers could consider other options if his struggles continue.