According to the Sporting Tribune, the Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as favorites to land one of the league’s best relief pitchers as former Mets closer Edwin Diaz is set to hit free agency this winter.
The Sporting Tribune cites that oddsmakers list the Dodgers as the current betting favorite to land the former Mets closer. Diaz is a multiple-time all-star and a 2 time reliever of the year. 2025 was another dominant season for Diaz, finishing the year with 28 saves and an impressive 1.63 ERA.
In a recent contract predictions piece by MLBTradeRumors.com, Diaz is listed as the 13th biggest free agent name, and is predicted to sign a four-year, $82 million deal.
Dodgers are Favorites To Land What They Desperately Need
Diaz became a fan favorite in New York with an electric fastball that tops out at 103 mph and an epic bullpen entrance theme song that always fires up the crowd. With a chance to cash in on another long-term contract, Diaz declined his option on the final two years of his contract. With the bulk of the Mets’ salary dedicated to slugger Juan Soto, the Mets seem unlikely to match the offers from competitors willing to spend big money on a closer, such as the Dodgers.
Despite winning the World Series, the Dodgers’ bullpen was an issue all season long, ranking just 21st in baseball with a whopping 4.27 ERA. Diaz is just what Los Angeles needs to fix its bullpen woes, which plagued them all season, giving them a reliable closer they have desperately needed since the departure of their all-time saves leader, Kenley Jansen.
Diaz will bring a ton of energy and excitement to the team that Dodgers fans and players will instantly love. Here is what Dodgers fans can look forward to next year if Diaz, in fact, signs with the defending champions.