Dodgers Rumors: Edwin Díaz “Outside” Desired Price Range for Dodgers
Despite the fit and need for a late-inning right-handed option for the bullpen, Edwin Díaz appears to be out of the Dodgers price range.
LOS ANGELES, CA—Despite securing consecutive World Series titles, the Los Angeles Dodgers are aiming for a third consecutive win. To achieve this, they will need to make some adjustments to their roster.
One apparent top priority for Andrew Friedman and team is adding another late-inning pitcher to the bullpen, ideally a right-handed one.
At the beginning of the offseason, several MLB insiders like ESPN’s Jeff Passan connected the Dodgers to former National League All-Star closer Devin Williams. However, he is no longer available after signing a three-year, $50 million deal with the New York Mets.
The Dodgers also expressed interest in veteran right-hander Raisel Iglesias, but he chose to re-sign with the Atlanta Braves on a 1-year, $16 million contract last month.
There was also a chance to offer a one-year contract to free agent Ryan Helsley, but he is no longer available, having signed a two-year, $28 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles despite a poor second half with the Mets last season.
The Dodgers’ options on the free agent market have greatly diminished. Although Pete Fairbanks, a right-handed relief pitcher from Tampa Bay Rays, is still available, multiple reports suggest the Dodgers are not very interested.
That leaves just one arm that fits their billing: right-handed closer Edwin Díaz.
Díaz, 31, is the top relief pitcher available this offseason, ranking among the best closers in MLB. However, this also means he commands a high price. Additionally, a qualifying offer is attached to him, increasing the overall signing cost.
The All-Star closer chose to opt out of his 5-year contract with the New York Mets at the beginning of the offseason, then immediately declined the 1-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer, remaining a free agent.
By all accounts, Díaz is seeking a deal similar to the one he signed during the 2023 offseason for 5 years and $102 million, a deal that could be be out of the Dodgers’ preferred price range, according to Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo of The Athletic.
Then there’s Edwin Díaz, the best reliever on the market, who, in addition to having a qualifying offer attached to him, is likely outside of the Dodgers’ desired range.
Díaz will be entering his 32nd year and has cemented his reputation as one of the top relievers in baseball. Last season, he pitched 66.1 innings, posting a 1.63 ERA, with a strikeout rate of 38% and a walk rate of 8.1%.
During his career, Díaz has maintained a 2.82 ERA over 519.1 innings, striking out nearly 40% of batters and issuing less than 9% walks. Over nine seasons with the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets, he has accumulated 253 saves with 41 blown saves.
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