The Los Angeles Dodgers have gotten their money’s worth early on with closer Edwin Diaz on and off the field, as the Puerto Rican has brought electricity.
The Dodgers spent $69 million on Diaz, committing to him for three years at the highest average annual value for a closer ever.
With all the money spent, there were concerns that the Dodgers could face a situation like Tanner Scott’s, another highly paid reliever.
Scott came in after a period of dominance as one of the more well-rounded relievers and ended up producing a season below replacement level.
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) and pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) celebrate the victory against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
In his first two series with the Dodgers, Diaz has not suffered the same fate as Scott, pitching three innings in three games, allowing just one run, one hit, and a walk with four strikeouts.
He already has two saves, finishing off another that was not recorded as a save.
The Dodgers have not featured a reliever pitch with such dominance since Kenley Jansen, who was a sure thing during his prime to shut down the opposing offense and seal a win.
However, while his pitching has certainly brought a good deal of security, Diaz is also adding another element to the team — fun.
As soon as he comes in, Diaz has an electric entrance, with the song “Narco” by Timmy Trumpet and Blasterjaxx blaring from the stadium.
During the first two games, Tatina Tate was playing the song live on a real trumpet, something she had done for the first handful of games.
Since then, they have continued to play the song in the recorded rendition. Diaz does his walkout to the lights coming down, adding a massive crowd effect.
When he signed on with the Dodgers, Diaz made it clear that he needs enterance.
“Everybody knows me because of my song,” Díaz said. “When I decided to come (to Los Angeles), I told everybody I was keeping it.”
Dodgers players’ reaction to Diaz’s entrance
The Athletic’s Katie Woo did a story highlighting the impact of the entrance on the team thus far, with Dave Roberts coming across as a big supporter.
“I love that Timmy Trumpet,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I kind of got my fan hat on a little bit there, too.”
Additionally, Teoscar Hernandez is another member who has been caught up in the aura of the entrance.
“Everybody was waiting for that moment,” Hernández said. “I wanted to watch everything: Him coming out of the bullpen and getting all the way to the mound. I’m happy that he’s here now.”
There was a moment when some of the other members of the bullpen ended up playing their own little trumpets during his song playing. The chorus of trumpetters has been doing so every time it plays, and it is just one more sign that Diaz is bringing a ton to the Dodgers, who are hoping to repeat their bullpen success.
LA Baseball Report
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