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The rich just keep getting richer, as Edwin Diaz prepares to join the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The back-to-back defending champions and Diaz reportedly reached a deal that would put them closer to the best on the market, snatching Diaz from Steve Cohen and the New York Mets after a seven-year stint.
Diaz’s deal is reportedly for three years and worth $69 million.
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New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz celebrates after beating the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
Diaz’s first season with the Mets was an absolute nightmare, as he posted a 5.59 ERA after leading the majors with 57 saves with the Seattle Mariners. But since then, he has dominated with a 2.36 ERA, posting three campaigns with an ERA no higher than 1.75.
Last season, Diaz was the only bright spot on a disappointing Mets team that missed the playoffs despite having a payroll well over $300 million. He posted a 1.63 ERA and struck out 98 batters in 66.1 innings, recording 28 saves.
New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz works the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Monday, July 11, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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If there was one thing the Dodgers needed, it was a closer game, as starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto got the final outs of their second straight World Series victory early last month. They signed Tanner Scott to a four-year deal last offseason, but injuries and poor performance played a role. So the Dodgers got the big fish they were looking for.
Diaz’s deal is the highest annual average value ever given to a reliever.
Edwin Diaz #39 of the New York Mets reacts after the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field on September 1, 2022 in New York. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The Dodgers aren’t done either, as there is plenty of speculation that back-to-back Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal could be going there via trade.
