Edwin Diaz Eyes World Series Closer Role with Dodgers

PHOENIX – Even though Edwin Diaz hasn’t yet thrown a pitch for the Dodgers, he’s already imagining what it would feel like to be on the mound for the final game of the World Series.

“Of course,” Diaz remarked in Spanish when asked about this dream.

Picture the crowd’s roar, the celebration right there on the mound, and all those emotions flooding in.

“I think it’s an incredible feeling,” he added.

In the past six years, each of the Dodgers’ three championships culminated with a victory by a starting pitcher. Julio Urias did it in 2020, Walker Buehler in 2024, and last year, it was Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

As someone who’s primarily been a closer for most of his decade-long career, Diaz is eager to make a mark similar to theirs. His chance of doing so significantly increased after signing a three-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers, a team that has clinched two World Series titles.

“Every player dreams of winning the World Series,” shared the former Mets pitcher. “If I’m the last guy on the mound, it’ll be a dream come true.”

And Diaz seems poised for that role. He’s the most experienced late-inning specialist the Dodgers have had since Kenley Jansen, who’s the franchise’s all-time saves leader.

“It’s huge,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on Diaz’s addition.

The previous season highlighted the importance of a solid closer. The Dodgers had a duo of closers, Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, but both struggled, leading to a constant shuffle in roles among the relievers. This created challenges, as some younger arms found themselves in tough situations they weren’t ready for.

Last year, the Dodgers’ bullpen was heavily taxed due to starting pitcher injuries, leading them to pitch the most innings in the league. Heading into the playoffs, it seemed like the relievers might cost the Dodgers another championship, but a surprise appearance from Aki Sasaki and solid performances from Yamamoto turned the tide.

Even before signing Diaz, the Dodgers had hopes of improving their bullpen. Scott Treinen and Blake Treinen were both coming back from injuries, and Evan Phillips, Brock Stewart, and Brusdar Graterol are expected to return at some point this season after surgeries.

“We’re going to be good this year because we’re all healthy and we’ve got Edwin coming in, plus some young guys returning,” Treinen noted.

Diaz acknowledged the benefit of being part of this bullpen. He said, “I came here to help the team win another championship. If I do my job, we’ll be in a strong position.”

From Roberts’ perspective, Diaz’s role sets the stage for others.

“Having a player like Edwin Diaz as a closer allows me to position the other relievers based on matchups,” Roberts explained.

With Diaz pitching nine innings regardless of the opposing batters, Roberts can be more strategic. For instance, he can bring in Tanner against left-handed hitters when needed.

Roberts has expressed admiration for Diaz’s fearless approach. In three postseason games in the 2024 NL Championship Series against the Dodgers, Diaz delivered 5 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out six and earning a save.

“When he’s on the mound, it’s uncomfortable for both left-handed and right-handed batters,” Roberts said. “He’s just a fierce competitor.”

Since Roberts arrived, decisions about the bullpen have leaned heavily on matchups during the postseason. Diaz is open to being used however the team sees fit.

“In the postseason, there’s no set role. Situations can arise in any inning, and the coach will figure out the best way to win,” Diaz explained. “Sometimes you win in the ninth, but other times, it’s in the sixth or seventh.”

Yet Diaz did acknowledge that closing out the final game of the World Series would hold special significance for him.

“If given the opportunity to close out the last game, it would be an accomplishment,” he said.

He’s already visualized that moment, feeling ready to experience it for real.