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By Valentina Martinez
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Los Angeles Dodgers made their signing of All-Star closer Edwin Diaz official on Friday.
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Diaz, who inked a three-year, $69 million deal with the defending champions, spoke to reporters at Dodger Stadium for the first time.
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"I want to first thank the ownership, Andrew, Brandon, to welcome me here, you know. Also, I want to say thank you to the Mets organization for what they did for me in the last few years," Diaz said. "Really, really happy, you know, what I did there, now we are a new family, we are the Dodgers. I'm coming here to win. That's my goal, you know, try to win another World Series. So, I'm really happy to be here and let's go, Dodgers!"
The 31-year-old was the top free agent closer available this offseason, and it was unclear whether he would return to the New York Mets. Speculation swirled surrounding Diaz and the Mets, especially after the team signed Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million contract.
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The Williams deal reportedly put a rift in Diaz's relationship with his former team since he was not informed of the signing before it happened.
Now, while the Mets welcome the change-up specialist in Williams, the defending champions welcome Diaz to the bright lights of Hollywood.
Why Did Edwin Diaz Choose the Dodgers Over The Mets?
The newest Dodgers star explained why he chose to leave Queens and join LA in their pursuit of a three-peat in 2026.
"You know, it wasn't easy, it wasn't easy. I spent seven years in New York. They treated me really good, they treated me great. And I chose the Dodgers because they are a winning organization. I'm looking to win and I think they have everything to win," Diaz said.
The Dodgers have not had a clear-cut closer since Kenley Jansen last played for the team in 2021. Flash forward five seasons later and the Dodgers have officially found their closer in Diaz.
Last offseason, the Dodgers signed Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal, but the front office did not name him as the team's closer. Rather, the team opted to pick their closer based on matchups throughout 2025.
Now, Diaz is the Dodgers' closer.
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