Dodgers' $69M Star Diaz Builds Trust With Catcher Smith

Will Smith focuses on developing strong catcher-pitcher relationship with new closer Edwin Diaz to bolster Dodgers' bullpen for 2025 season.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 11:39am

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After signing veteran closer Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million contract in the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers are focused on building a strong working relationship between Diaz and catcher Will Smith. Smith is making an effort to communicate with Diaz, understand his strengths and preferences, and establish trust to improve the team's bullpen performance as they aim for a third straight championship.

Why it matters

The rapport between a catcher and closer is crucial for the success of a team's bullpen, as their partnership often determines the outcome of high-pressure innings. By prioritizing this relationship, the Dodgers are positioning themselves to address past bullpen weaknesses and maintain their status as a top contender in the league.

The details

Diaz, a three-time All-Star and Reliever of the Year, brings significant experience and accolades to the Dodgers' bullpen. Smith is focused on getting to know Diaz, understanding his preferences, and building trust to ensure they are on the same page. Diaz's decision to leave the New York Mets and join the Dodgers surprised some, but he expressed his appreciation for the Mets organization and his excitement about this new chapter in Los Angeles.

  • Diaz signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers during the offseason.
  • In 2025, Diaz posted a 1.63 ERA, recorded 98 strikeouts, and had 28 saves.

The players

Will Smith

The Los Angeles Dodgers' catcher who is focused on developing a strong working relationship with new closer Edwin Diaz.

Edwin Diaz

A veteran closer who signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason, bringing significant experience and accolades to the team's bullpen.

Tanner Scott

The Dodgers' former closer who underperformed, leading the team to sign Diaz to bolster their relief pitching.

Steve Cohen

The owner of the New York Mets, who admitted finding Diaz's decision to leave the Mets and join the Dodgers as a free agent agent 'puzzling'.

John Schneider

The manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, who has provided early assessments of Dylan Cease's role as the team charts its path forward.

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What they’re saying

“You just talk to guys, you get to know them. That's what I do with Edwin. I get to know him. I get to know who he is, who he is as a pitcher as well.”

— Will Smith, Dodgers Catcher

“It's a market I was in. I was a free agent, so I got the chance to talk with everyone. And I think the Dodgers did a great job of recruiting me. At the end of the day, I chose to be here. I have a lot of respect for the Mets organization, players, staff, and ownership.”

— Edwin Diaz

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' investment in Diaz not only improves their bullpen but also signals a commitment to sustained excellence as they approach the new season with determined optimism, with the catcher-pitcher chemistry between Will Smith and Edwin Diaz being crucial to their success.