Breaking: Edwin Díaz Signs Record $69M Deal with Dodgers, Departs Mets After Historic Run

Orlando, FL – December 10, 2025 In a stunning development at the MLB Winter Meetings, Edwin Díaz has agreed to a three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, setting a new benchmark as the highest average annual value ($23 million per year) ever paid to a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball history.

The 31-year-old right-hander, widely regarded as the top closer on the free-agent market, exercised his opt-out clause to leave the New York Mets and join the reigning two-time World Series champions. Díaz will serve as the primary closer in Los Angeles, complementing fellow high-profile addition Tanner Scott.

Edwin Díaz Contract Breakdown

Terms: 3 years, $69 million (record AAV for relievers)
New Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Role: Lead closer (Tanner Scott moves to setup/high-leverage duties)
2025 Mets Performance: 28 saves, 1.63 ERA, 98 strikeouts in 66⅓ innings, 14 walks
Díaz had hoped to remain with the Mets, but negotiations stalled. New York’s final offer was reportedly three years at $66 million (with deferrals), while the Dodgers’ deal proved more attractive. Díaz did not return to the Mets for further talks before finalizing the agreement.

Dodgers Continue to Build a Dynasty

Despite capturing back-to-back World Series titles, the Dodgers’ bullpen ranked among the league’s weaker units in 2025, posting a 4.27 ERA and blowing 27 saves. Manager Dave Roberts has prioritized late-inning reliability, and Díaz—known for his devastating fastball-slider combination and postseason dominance—fills that need perfectly.

This marks the second consecutive offseason in which the Dodgers have signed the premier available closer, following their acquisition of Tanner Scott last winter.

Mets Shift Focus to Devin Williams

The Mets had recently inked Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million deal and were planning a Díaz-Williams closing tandem. With Díaz now heading to the West Coast, Williams becomes the undisputed closer. President of baseball operations David Stearns has voiced confidence in the revamped bullpen, though he declined to comment directly on Díaz’s departure pending the completion of his physical.

The Mets will receive a compensatory draft pick after the fourth round of the 2026 MLB Draft for losing Díaz after he rejected their $22.025 million qualifying offer.

Global Impact of the Move

Dodgers: Bolster an already star-studded roster, making them early favorites to three-peat.
Mets: Redirect resources toward additional bullpen depth (potential targets include Robert Suárez) while maintaining continuity with Williams.
League-Wide: Díaz’s record-setting contract underscores the growing premium placed on elite relievers and the Dodgers’ continued willingness to spend aggressively.
Mets fans will long remember Díaz’s electrifying “Narco” entrance and dominant performances in Queens, but the Dodgers have once again flexed their financial muscle to strengthen their championship core.