Dodgers reportedly priced out of top free-agent flamethrower, 3-time All-Star reliever

Hunter Cookston

•
Dodgers reportedly priced out of top free-agent flamethrower, 3-time All-Star reliever image

The Los Angeles Dodgers are always the team to beat during free agency. The attraction is simple: they offer the chance to compete for a World Series every year and can provide a surplus of money on the contract front. One intriguing target is Edwin Díaz, who recently opted out of his deal with the New York Mets.

“Mets closer Edwin Díaz has opted out of the final two years and $38 million guaranteed on his contract, the club announced Tuesday, making Díaz a free agent for the first time in his career,” MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo wrote.

An interesting free-agency move by the Mets is that they signed Devin Williams, who could very well become their closer. It could also mean that Díaz wouldn’t be interested in returning to New York.

“Díaz opted out of his contract last month with two years and $38 million remaining, determined to secure another multiyear deal approaching the five-year, $102 million pact he signed with the Mets after the 2022 season. The Mets remain interested in a reunion, sources tell ESPN, but Williams gives them a proven backup plan, which could dampen the team's willingness to meet Díaz's demands,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.

This could be a great sign for the Dodgers. However, The Athletic’s Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya believe that Díaz’s asking price is far too high this winter.

“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,” they wrote.

Díaz is a very attractive name this offseason, and the Dodgers would love to bring him to L.A. However, the finances don’t seem to be lining up—at least for now.

There’s no doubt he is the top closer, and possibly the top reliever available, but it remains to be seen exactly how much money he is asking for. Perhaps the Dodgers have another target they would rather invest in.

More MLB news:

Contributing writer

Staff Writer