Could Edwin Diaz actually join the Los Angeles Dodgers?
With Devin Williams inking a three-year deal to play for the New York Mets, it’s unknown as to whether Diaz will return to Queens as the team’s closer…or perhaps leave for a new adventure completely.
Diaz in theory would be a perfect addition to a bullpen in desperate need of production and a proven track record. Last year out of the ‘pen was an adventure to put it mildly.
While the thought of having Diaz at the backend of the bullpen is an exciting one, Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic threw some cold water on the notion that the Dodgers could perhaps splash some serious cash for the multi-time All-Star closer.
More news: Dodgers Told Max Muncy, His Agent About The Club Option Being Picked Up Via Email
“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.”
The qualifying element to this is ultimately what may prevent the Dodgers from going down this road. Whichever team signs Diaz (unless he re-ups with the Mets) will relinquish a draft pick.
The Dodgers as has been chronicled extensively already gave a massive deal last offseason to Tanner Scott. That didn’t exactly go to plan, which is why the team likely is a bit gunshy doling out another considerable multi-year contract to a reliever even as good as Diaz is.
There are some in-house options LA could look to for backend help. More than likely, the team will pursue some relievers on shorter-term deals to maintain flexibility moving forward.
San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez would seem to fit that criteria given his age (35 by the start of next season). At the same time, if the Dodgers do want to maximize the prime of the current aging core, the team may bite the bullet and go all-in with Diaz despite the risk of a potentially longer deal.
Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Have you downloaded the new Dodgers Nation app yet? Click here for Apple Users and here for Android Users to be a part of the redesigned app to give fans everything they need, all in one place. Don’t miss out on live GameCast with play-by-play, news and analysis, Dodgers Nation podcasts and videos, all the stats you want and more!
