Dodgers Sign Mets' All-Star Closer Diaz to Record Deal

Diaz's $69 million contract sets new bar for relief pitchers

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured, multi-angled motion of a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, using bold colors to conceptually represent the competitive free agent market for elite relief pitchers.The Dodgers' record-breaking signing of All-Star closer Edwin Diaz signals a new era of high-stakes free agency battles between baseball's top teams.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed former New York Mets All-Star closer Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million contract, the highest average annual value ever for a relief pitcher. The Dodgers welcomed Diaz to the team by playing a hype video for him when the Mets visited Dodger Stadium.

Why it matters

Diaz's departure from the Mets is a significant loss, as he was one of the best closers in baseball over the past few seasons. The Dodgers' signing of Diaz further bolsters their already strong bullpen and could give them an edge in the competitive National League West division race.

The details

Diaz's new contract with the Dodgers averages $23 million per year, setting a new record for the highest average annual value for a relief pitcher. The Dodgers made a splash by welcoming Diaz to the team with a hype video when the Mets, Diaz's former team, came to town.

  • Diaz signed his new contract with the Dodgers this past offseason.
  • The Dodgers played the hype video for Diaz when the Mets visited Dodger Stadium in April 2026.

The players

Edwin Diaz

An All-Star closer who previously played for the New York Mets and has now signed a record-setting $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Major League Baseball team that signed Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million contract, the highest average annual value ever for a relief pitcher.

New York Mets

The Major League Baseball team that lost their All-Star closer Edwin Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency this past offseason.

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What’s next

The Dodgers and Mets could potentially battle for other top free agent players in the coming offseason, as both teams look to bolster their rosters for a playoff push.

The takeaway

Diaz's record-setting contract with the Dodgers highlights the increasing value and importance of elite relief pitching in today's game. The Mets will need to find a way to replace Diaz's production, while the Dodgers hope his addition can help them win another championship.