Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Edwin Diaz revealed why he chose to join the Dodgers instead of returning to the New York Mets, with whom he had spent the previous seven seasons.
Diaz, 31, signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers on Tuesday, further strengthening an elite Dodgers pitching staff.
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“I chose the Dodgers because they are a winning organization,” Diaz said. “I’m looking to win, and I think they have everything to win.”
Edwin Díaz: “I chose the Dodgers because they are a winning organization. I’m looking to win, and I think they have everything to win.”
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) December 12, 2025
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The Mets, despite huge spending ahead of the 2025 season, missed out on the playoffs after holding a spot in the postseason for a majority of 2025. Contrarily, the Dodgers went on to win their second World Series in a row.
Diaz is a huge addition to the Dodgers and is sure to make a huge difference in high-leverage situations, having recorded 20 or more saves in all but two of his nine MLB seasons.
He had an electric 2025 season with the Mets, appearing in 62 games and keeping a 1.63 ERA — the second best mark of his career. He managed 98 strikeouts throughout the season and made his first trip back to the All-Star Game since missing the entire 2023 season with injury.
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The right-hander has a career 2.82 ERA across his nine years in MLB, and has logged a total of 253 saves. He ranks fourth among active players in saves, sitting behind Kenley Jansen, Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman.
Diaz will claim his spot as the Dodgers closer in 2026, and will provide plenty of relief to a bullpen which lost its footing towards the end of the 2025 season. Diaz is clearly ready to win with the Dodgers, and will look to contribute to the team as they challenge for a three-peat in 2026.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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