Dodgers News: Full Breakdown of Edwin Díaz’s Contract: Years, Signing Bonus, Deferrals & More
LOS ANGELES, CA—Entering the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the defending back-to-back World Series champions, did not have many issues to address, but one area of concern for President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and General Manager Brandon Gomes was the bullpen, specifically late-inning relief.
Internally, the team considered several options, including veteran right-hander Blake Treinen, who is under contract through 2026. Left-hander Tanner Scott, who faced challenges during his first season with the Dodgers, is anticipated to improve in the upcoming year. Additionally, there’s potential for Brusdar Graterol, a fan favorite, to return after rehabbing shoulder surgery during the 2025 offseason.
Early offseason reports suggested the Dodgers wouldn’t pursue top relievers aggressively, aiming instead for 1-2 year contracts. However, true to their nature, they went all in on the biggest target and secured the deal. Their prize? Top closer Edwin Díaz.
The Dodgers officially announced the signing of Díaz yesterday at Dodger Stadium, welcoming their new closer with open arms, and both parties are excited to begin the upcoming season.
Los Angeles signed Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract securing him for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons. Consistent with Dodgers’ style—almost arguing with a wall—the deal features some moderate deferrals.
Before the added deferrals, Díaz’s deal sets the new all-time record for the highest AAV for a relief pitcher at $23 million per year, breaking the previous record of $20.4 million, which was also set by Díaz’s original 5-year contract with the New York Mets.
However, the Dodgers will defer $4.5 million annually under the contract ($13.5 million in total), which brings the luxury tax AAV to $21.1 million and still sets the all-time mark.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Díaz’s contract includes a $9 million signing bonus, a $14 million base salary in 2026, $23 million (including $4.5 million deferred) in 2027 and 2028, and a contingent team option for 2029 worth $6.5 million.
Should the Dodgers pick that option up, Díaz would then earn an additional $750K for 45 appearances, $750K for a 50th appearance, and should he reach 50, that would be another $1 million.
The Dodgers did confirm that Díaz would be the team’s full-time closer, their first since having Kenely Jansen back during the 2021 season, and since then, it’s been a revolving door of matchups and who has the hot hand.
With Díaz now in the Dodgers’ bullpen back-end, manager Dave Roberts can more easily shorten the game, making the contract already worth it.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
