Who is Edwin Díaz
Edwin Díaz is a right-handed relief pitcher (closer) currently a free agent, widely regarded as one of Major League Baseball’s top closers. Born on March 22, 1994 in Naguabo, Puerto Rico, Díaz was originally drafted in the third round (98th overall) of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners.
He made his MLB debut with Seattle in 2016 and, over time, established himself as a premier reliever thanks to elite strikeout rates, high-velocity stuff, and the poise to handle high-leverage situations.
Career Snapshot & 2025 Performance
-
Over his career, Díaz has accumulated 253 saves and has maintained a career ERA around 2.82.
-
In 2025, he delivered one of his best seasons yet: 28 saves, a 1.63 ERA, 98 strikeouts over 66.1 innings, with WHIP 0.87 — a profile of dominance among relievers.
-
That performance places him among the most elite bullpen arms available this offseason.
Age & Contract History / Walkout
-
As of December 2025, Díaz is 31 years old, turning 32 in March 2026.
-
In November 2022, Díaz signed a five-year, $102 million deal with the New York Mets — at the time, the richest contract ever awarded to a reliever. The deal included a player opt-out after three seasons and a team option for 2028.
-
Following the outstanding 2025 campaign, Díaz opted out of the final two years and $38 million guaranteed under that contract. As a result he is now a free agent, and a top target for clubs seeking a shutdown ninth-inning arm.
-
According to contract-market projections, Díaz is seeking a deal similar to his prior contract — roughly a four- or five-year pact at top reliever money — though many analysts believe he may get a 4-year deal due to age and market conditions.
Trade & Fit with Los Angeles Dodgers: Possible Next Destination?
-
With the Dodgers needing a reliable closer — after bullpen struggles and uneven late-season performances — Díaz’s name has emerged as a top possible target for them.
-
The logic appears strong: Díaz’s 2025 dominance (1.63 ERA, 28 saves, 98 K) would immediately shore up the Dodgers’ bullpen late-game woes.
-
For the Dodgers, signing Díaz could allow them to simplify bullpen usage — shorten games to 8 innings, give less reliable arms lower-leverage roles — which fits their “win-now” championship window.
-
From New York’s side, retaining Díaz long-term may be costly (given age and market inflation), and they have already acquired another top reliever, making a trade or letting him walk more plausible.
As of now, while no trade has been finalized, the Dodgers appear “favorable” and among leading contenders to sign Díaz — provided the financials align and both sides agree.
What This Means — And What to Watch
-
For Díaz: This offseason is critical. A strong multi-year deal — 4+ years — seems realistic, though he may not match the 5-year, $102 million highs.
-
For interested teams (like the Dodgers): Acquiring Díaz would bring elite ninth-inning stability, but also come with draft-pick compensation (since he rejected a qualifying offer).
-
For fans & analysts: Díaz remains one of the few top-tier closers available — a high-leverage weapon in a market where elite bullpen arms are increasingly scarce.
