Díaz Explains Decision to Leave Mets for Dodgers

Closer cites Dodgers' recruitment and chance to win World Series as factors in free agent move

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In his first media session of spring training, new Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz addressed Mets owner Steve Cohen's comments about being 'perplexed' by Díaz's decision to leave New York. Díaz said the Dodgers did a 'great job recruiting' him and that he has 'a lot of respect' for the Mets organization, but ultimately chose the Dodgers because of their talented roster and winning culture.

Why it matters

Díaz's departure from the Mets was a high-profile free agent move this offseason, with the team reportedly offering less guaranteed money than the Dodgers. This story provides insight into Díaz's thought process and reasoning behind his decision, which is of interest to fans of both the Mets and Dodgers.

The details

Díaz, a three-time All-Star, signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers, the highest annual salary for a reliever in MLB history. He cited the Dodgers' 'great job recruiting' him and their 'really good clubhouse' and 'chemistry' as factors in his decision. Mets owner Steve Cohen had previously expressed surprise at Díaz's departure, saying the team made a 'respectable bid' to retain him.

  • Díaz made his comments on Saturday, February 14, 2026, during the Dodgers' second spring training workout.
  • Mets owner Steve Cohen made his comments about Díaz's departure earlier this week.

The players

Edwin Díaz

A 31-year-old right-handed relief pitcher who signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason after spending the previous five seasons with the New York Mets.

Steve Cohen

The owner of the New York Mets, who expressed surprise this week at Díaz's decision to leave the team and join the Dodgers in free agency.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who said the team will 'slow-play' the ramp-up of pitcher Brusdar Graterol this spring as he recovers from shoulder surgery.

Brusdar Graterol

A right-handed relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who missed the entire 2025 season recovering from shoulder surgery and is expected to have a slow ramp-up this spring training.

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What they’re saying

“I was a free agent, so I got the chance to talk with everyone, and I think the Dodgers did a great job recruiting me.”

— Edwin Díaz

“At the end of the day, I chose to be here. I have a lot of respect for the Mets organization, players, staff, ownership. They treated me really good. I don't have anything bad to say about them. But at the end of the day, I'm here.”

— Edwin Díaz

“Everyone welcomed me really good. I think that's how they've been so good. They have a really good clubhouse.”

— Edwin Díaz

“I'm not sure exactly how Edwin arrived at that decision (to leave the Mets). Obviously, it's a personal decision on his part. and I thought we made a pretty respectable bid.”

— Steve Cohen, Owner, New York Mets (New York Post)

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Brusdar Graterol's recovery from shoulder surgery and determine when he will be ready to return to the active roster, with manager Dave Roberts indicating a slow ramp-up process this spring.

The takeaway

Díaz's decision to leave the Mets for the Dodgers in free agency highlights the importance of roster construction, team culture, and a player's desire to win a championship, even when a team makes a 'respectable bid' to retain a star player.