Edwin Diaz on Joining the Dodgers

Edwin Diaz recently shared his reasons for leaving the Mets to sign with the Dodgers. The closer secured a three-year contract worth $69 million, which was slightly less than what the Mets offered. Interestingly, the Mets apparently had some flexibility in their initial proposal.

However, Diaz, 31, emphasized that his decision wasn’t solely about the financial aspect during his introductory press conference in Los Angeles. “It wasn’t easy,” he admitted. “I spent seven years in New York, and they treated me really well. I chose the Dodgers because they’re a winning organization. I want to win, and I think they have everything to make that happen. So, it was a no-brainer for me to choose the Dodgers.”

While he recognized having multiple options in free agency, Diaz pointed out that the Dodgers’ strong track record made them stand out to him.

He also noted the excitement he feels about bringing his well-known entrance music, “Narco,” to the Dodgers’ games. “It’ll be fun,” he said enthusiastically, “I think the music will catch on quickly with the fans. It’s a great walk-up song and I can’t wait to start the season with Timmy Trumpet and bring the ninth inning home for the Dodgers.”

Diaz is joining a talented team that is expected to be a strong contender for the World Series during his contract and beyond. The Dodgers’ management is eager to see how he fits into their bullpen.

Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman remarked, “Just watching his games over the years, you see that selflessness in the postseason and at crucial moments. That aligns perfectly with our culture and the selflessness of many of our superstar players. There were so many boxes checked with his presence, but he also raises the bar when we talk about him as our closer.”

General Manager Brandon Gomez added, “The chance to bring a player of this caliber into an already talented bullpen was something we weren’t sure we could actually achieve. But we’re really excited it worked out.”