The Los Angeles Dodgers are always a threat to bring in the winter’s top free agents, and this year is no different.
The Dodgers have been linked to some of the biggest names in the class, such as Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger, to round out their roster, but MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand believes the big name they’ll go after is a pitcher.
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LA signed Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal ahead of 2025, but a 4.74 ERA and 10 blown saves have called his role into question going forward. Feinsand proposes the Dodgers sign All-Star closer Edwin Diaz this offseason to meet their needs.
“Even after signing Tanner Scott a year ago, the Dodgers found themselves searching for an answer in the ninth inning by the end of the season,” Feinsand wrote. “Roki Sasaki filled the role through the postseason, but he’s expected to return to the rotation, leaving a vacancy in the ninth inning. Díaz opted out of the final two years of his record-setting, five-year, $102 million contract with the Mets, and whether or not he exceeds that with his next deal, he’s a perfect fit for a team that never hesitates to spend.”
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After missing 2023 with injury, Diaz has strung together a solid couple of seasons to re-establish himself as an elite closer. After a middling 2024 season where he posted a 3.52 ERA through 54 appearances, Diaz returned to his pre-injury form in 2025. He had a 1.63 ERA through 62 appearances, striking out 98 batters in 66.1 innings and recording 28 saves in 31 opportunities.
Diaz is a clear upgrade for the Dodgers’ bullpen, but his price is rather steep.
Spotrac calculates his market value at a four-year, $73.3 million contract, and the Dodgers may steer clear after looking at their last big contract for a closer. If they’re willing to take a shot on the closer, though, it could be a massively beneficial move for the Dodgers.
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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