One of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ biggest offseason acquisitions is set to make his spring training debut Wednseday.
Star closer Edwin Diaz will take the mound against the Arizona Diamondbacks in a game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. First pitch is set for 12:10 p.m. Pacific Time.
Diaz, 31, joined the Dodgers this offseason after several years with the New York Mets, including three years with a sub-2 ERA.
Last season, his ERA was 1.63, and he had a WHIP of 0.874.
If he repeats that production, it would be a big improvement for the Dodgers.
Tanner Scott served as the Dodgers’ closer last year, notching a 4.74 ERA and 10 blown saves.
Feb 13, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) throws in the bullpen during spring training camp. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn ImagesWhy Is Edwin Diaz to the Dodgers a Big Deal?
Diaz has excelled on the mound, and adding him to the back-to-back World Series champions only makes the Dodgers that much better.
That said, his acquisition in free agency has ruffled some feathers, especially among those who think the Dodgers’ big-spending ways are bad for the sport.
Diaz signed with the Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million deal.
The Mets, who are also big spenders, offered a three-year deal as well, though their compensation was $66 million.
Mets owner Steve Cohen has spoken out about Diaz and expressed his disappointment that Diaz didn’t return to the team.
“I did find that one perplexing. (I’m) not sure exactly how Edwin arrived at that decision,” Cohen said. “Obviously it’s a personal decision on his part, and I thought we made a pretty respectable bid.”
How Did Edwin Diaz Respond?
Asked about Cohen’s remark at spring training, Diaz praised the Mets but said he’s excited to be in Los Angeles.
“I was a free agent, so I got the chance to talk with everyone,” Diaz said. “And I think the Dodgers did a great job 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, 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. This is a new journey for me and I’m happy to be with the Dodgers so let’s see how it goes.”
LA Baseball Report
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