Dodgers' 'perfect move' is to sign 253-save free agent closer

News Correspondent
Dodgers' 'perfect move' is to sign 253-save free agent closer image

The 2025 world champion Los Angeles Dodgers had one weakness: the bullpen.

That didn't show in the postseason, because they sent starting pitcher Roki Sasaki down there to hold down the closer role. But that won't be their long-term plan.

Instead, the Dodgers likely need to address the back end of their bullpen in free agency.

ESPN's Jeff Passan released an article Tuesday outlining what the "perfect move" would be for a bunch of MLB teams, and for the Dodgers, he surmised that the answer is to sign closer Edwin Diaz, formerly of the New York Mets.

Diaz has 253 career saves and is coming off a season in which he had a 1.63 ERA.

He did have a contract with the Mets for two more years at $19 million per year but opted out. That would likely point to a three- or four-year deal from the Dodgers worth $20 million per year to get him.

"The Dodgers are not inclined to go 10-plus years on Kyle Tucker, they don't need Kyle Schwarber and their starting pitching, with the return of seven pitchers who contributed in 2025 along with River Ryan and Gavin Stone coming back from major surgeries, is a strength," Passan writes. "While they have plenty of room to maneuver for a trade, the most obvious move is to hope the second time's a charm in spending big money on a closer after Tanner Scott's disappearing act this year."

MORE: The Dodgers have an $87 million free agency secret weapon

Diaz is 31, and after missing the entire 2023 season with injury, he has proven he is still among the game's elites.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had to do a lot of mixing and matching in 2025 to get the final outs of games.

He'd much prefer knowing exactly who is getting the baseball in the ninth inning every time. Diaz is one of those guys who brings certainty to that closer role. The Dodgers already have everything else, so why not an elite closer, too?

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Staff Writer