“They Are a Winning Organization,” Edwin Diaz Gives Honest Reason for Signing $69 Million Deal with Dodgers over Mets

Edwin Diaz joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on a 3-year, $69 million deal and brought an end to a 7-season tenure with the New York Mets.

“They Are a Winning Organization,” Edwin Diaz Gives Honest Reason for Signing $69 Million Deal with Dodgers over Mets

Edwin Diaz as a Los Angeles Dodgers star (Image via MLB)

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On Friday, Edwin Diaz was unveiled as the newest member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his introductory press conference, the 3-time MLB All-Star gave an honest reason for picking the LA based side over the New York Mets.

The 31-year-old entered free agency this offseason after opting out of his deal. This development came after the Mets had a disappointing end to the campaign.

The National League East side went from a 45-24 record to missing the playoffs on the final day of the season and finished the year with an 83-79 record. Diaz pitched with a 1.63 ERA and finished the year with a 6-3 record.

The pitcher, who signed a 5-year $102 million deal in 2022, had two years and $38 million remaining. As per reports, the Mets offered a 3-year, $66 million deal to the closer. He instead picked the Dodgers’ 3-year, $69 million offer and brought an end to his Mets tenure.

During the press conference on Friday, the 3-time National League Reliever of the Year admitted that it was not “easy” to leave the Mets. However, he then claimed it was easy to pick the Dodgers as they are a winning organization, and he wants to win.

It wasn’t easy, wasn’t easy. I spent seven years in New York. They treat me really good, they treat me great. I chose the Dodgers because they are a winning organization. I’m looking to win and I think they have everything to win. Picking the Dodgers was pretty easy.

Edwin Diaz said during his introductory press conference

While 2025 was a year to forget for the Mets, the same cannot be said for the Dodgers. The National League West side had a strong start to their title defense. Despite some hiccups in the midst of the season, they comfortably won their division once again.

After sweeping the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card Series, they took down the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 in the best-of-five National League Division Series (NLDS). They then steamrolled over the Milwaukee Brewers and swept them 4-0 in the National League Championship Series (NLCS).

In the World Series, they faced off against a red-hot Toronto Blue Jays. After going 3-2 following a Game 5 loss, the Dodgers won Game 6 and made a comeback in Game 7 to beat them 5-4 in extra innings and repeat as champions.

They thus became the first team to go back-to-back as World Series champions since the New York Yankees in 2000. With Diaz now in the team, they are now eyeing a three-peat in the 2026 season.

Edwin Diaz reveals reason for choosing No.3 following Dodgers deal

A year after splashing the cash to acquire the services of Tanner Scott, the Los Angeles Dodgers once again went all out and roped in a top relief pitcher in Edwin Diaz. The former New York Mets star will be donning No.3 on his back after repping No. 39 throughout his career.

Edwin Diaz
Edwin Diaz (Image via NY Post)

Diaz did not have the option to choose No.39 as the Dodgers retired that number in tribute to Roy Campanella. The pitcher then revealed a heartfelt reason for picking No.3.

We got three kids, so that’s the reason I picked No. 3, because of my three sons. I was hoping to get the No. 39, but after I checked, the number was retired. So they sent me the list of numbers. I think that was the most obvious [choice] for me.

Edwin Diaz told the reporters

The Dodgers did have some trouble from the bullpen this season. They gave up several runs with stars like Blake Treinen and Roki Sasaki struggling to close down the opposition. Scott, meanwhile, led the league in blown saves at 10. With 28 saves in 2025, the team will be hoping Diaz can replicate the same in the upcoming season as they aim for a historic 3-peat.

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