Edwin Diaz Chooses Dodgers Over Mets in $3 Million Surprise

Star closer leaves New York for Los Angeles, leaving Mets owner Steve Cohen perplexed

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:09am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the Dodgers and Mets uniforms, conveying the complex dynamics of Diaz's free agency decision.Diaz's surprise move to the Dodgers leaves the Mets' bullpen in flux, as the team's star closer departs for the West Coast.Los Angeles Today

In a surprising move, star closer Edwin Diaz has decided to leave the New York Mets and join the Los Angeles Dodgers, despite the Mets offering a competitive three-year, $66 million contract. Diaz opted for the Dodgers' $69 million deal, a difference of just $3 million, leaving Mets owner Steve Cohen confused over how he lost such a talented reliever.

Why it matters

Diaz's decision highlights the delicate balance between player loyalty and financial incentives in professional sports. While the Mets showed respect and appreciation for Diaz, the Dodgers' slightly higher offer was ultimately too good for the closer to pass up, sparking questions about the role money plays in player movement.

The details

Diaz, who had spent the last four seasons with the Mets, explained that he had the freedom to explore all options as a free agent and that the Dodgers did an exceptional job in recruiting him. While the Mets were willing to increase their offer, Diaz had already made his choice to head to the West Coast. The Mets, anticipating Diaz's potential departure, had already signed Devin Williams and Luke Weaver as potential replacements.

  • Diaz became a free agent after the 2025 MLB season.
  • The Mets offered Diaz a three-year, $66 million contract.
  • The Dodgers ultimately signed Diaz to a three-year, $69 million deal.

The players

Edwin Diaz

A star closer who spent the last four seasons with the New York Mets before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent.

Steve Cohen

The owner of the New York Mets, who expressed confusion over losing Diaz to the Dodgers despite offering a competitive contract.

Devin Williams

A former closer for the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees, signed by the Mets as a potential replacement for Diaz.

Luke Weaver

A former closer for the New York Yankees, also signed by the Mets as a potential replacement for Diaz.

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What they’re saying

“I had the freedom to explore all options as a free agent. The Dodgers did an exceptional job in recruiting me. I hold the Mets organization, players, and staff in high regard. They treated me exceptionally well, and I have nothing but respect for them. However, this new chapter with the Dodgers excites me, and I'm eager to see what the future holds.”

— Edwin Diaz

“I found it perplexing. I believe our bid was respectable, and I could argue it was even better.”

— Steve Cohen, Mets Owner

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

Diaz's decision to leave the Mets for the Dodgers, despite a competitive offer from New York, highlights the complex factors that influence player movement in professional sports. While the Mets showed respect and appreciation for Diaz, the Dodgers' slightly higher offer ultimately proved too enticing, raising questions about the role of money in player loyalty and team-building strategies.