Dodgers sign Edwin Diaz to record contract through 2028

"The Dodgers' signing Díaz to a record-setting contract came on the heels of manager Dave Roberts expressing confidence in the team's roster and said a "big splash" wasn't necessary. Though, Roberts did also note, "Getting a high-leverage reliever is never a bad thing." That's exactly what Díaz represents as one of the top closers in baseball. He was the top relief pitcher available in free agency after opting out of the remaining two years and $38 million of his contract with the New York Mets."

"Díaz collected 28 saves to go along with a 1.63 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 66.1 innings for the Mets this past season. He had the second-lowest ERA among relievers with at least 50 innings, trailing only Aroldis Chapman's 1.17 mark. Over the course of his career thus far, Díaz has amassed 253 saves and holds a 2.82 ERA. Kenley Jansen (476), Craig Kimbrel (440) and Chapman (367) are the only active relief pitchers with more saves than Díaz."

Edwin Díaz agreed to a three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers that was reached on the second day of MLB's Winter Meetings in Orlando. The deal sets a record $23 million average annual value for a relief pitcher. Díaz opted out of the remaining two years and $38 million of a prior five-year, $102 million Mets contract to reach free agency. He totaled 28 saves, a 1.63 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 66.1 innings last season and carries 253 career saves with a 2.82 ERA. The Mets and Blue Jays pursued him before he signed with the Dodgers, and manager Dave Roberts noted that acquiring a high-leverage reliever is beneficial.

Read at Dodger Blue