ORLANDO, Fla. — Closer Edwin Díaz has agreed to a $69 million, three-year contract with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
The person spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the agreement was subject to a successful physical. Díaz's agreement includes deferred payments by the Dodgers, who already owed $1.051 billion in deferred pay to eight players from 2028-46.
“The Dodgers are the Goliath and they went and got something that they really, really needed,” said agent Scott Boras, who does not represent Díaz. “I’m sure that there was a goal on the part of the player that he felt that maybe he could achieve his goals differently with the Dodgers than he could with the Mets. ... Right now in our industry when a Goliath snaps his fingers, he seems to be getting what he wants.”
A three-time All-Star who turns 32 on March 22, Díaz joins a Dodgers bullpen that struggled last season, causing the team to shift rookie starter Roki Sasaki to closer in the postseason. Los Angeles relievers had a 4.27 ERA, 21st among the 30 teams.
Relying on a 97-98 mph fastball and slider, Díaz became a fan favorite at Citi Field, where horns blared and fans danced when he entered games to "Narco" by Blasterjaxx & Timmy Trumpet.
'Since the deal is not official, I can’t comment on it. I’m very optimistic about where our offseason is headed," Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said. “We certainly have work to do, but there are many good players out there. I’m confident we’ll like where our team is once we get to opening day.”
New York prepared for Díaz's possible departure by agreeing to a $51 million, three-year contract with Devin Williams, who left the crosstown Yankees after one season.
“I’ve certainly seen Devin perform at a very high level for a long time,” Stearns said. “Have full confidence that he can be one of the best relievers in baseball. I think he’s very motivated to do that.”
Díaz joins a Dodgers bullpen that includes left-hander Tanner Scott, who was bothered by elbow inflammation in his first season after signing a $72 million, four-year contract. Jack Dreyer, Anthony Banda and Alex Vesia also are in the bullpen.
Díaz had 28 saves in 31 chances last season with a 6-3 record and 1.63 ERA for a disappointing Mets team that failed to reach the playoffs despite spending the second-most behind the Dodgers. He struck out 98 in 66 1/3 innings.
He has 253 saves in 294 chances over nine seasons with the Seattle (2016-18) and the Mets, who acquired him along with second baseman Robinson Canó for five players that included Jarred Kelenic and Anthony Swarzak. Díaz missed the 2023 season after tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee during a postgame celebration with Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic.
Díaz agreed to a $102 million, five-year contract with the Mets after the 2022 season, a deal that included deferred money payable through 2042. He had the right to opt out after three years and $64 million to become a free agent again. Of that $64 million, $15.5 million is deferred and payable through July 1, 2039.
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AP freelance writer Kristie Ackert contributed to this report.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb