After establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier closers over the past several seasons, Edwin Diaz is beginning a new chapter with the Los Angeles Dodgers and he’s now shedding light on why he chose Los Angeles over a return to the New York Mets.
Díaz first rose to prominence with the Seattle Mariners, showcasing electric stuff and elite strikeout ability. He later elevated his profile in New York, becoming one of the most dominant ninth-inning arms in the league. This offseason, however, he opted for a fresh start in Southern California a move that reportedly surprised Mets owner Steve Cohen.
According to Díaz, the Dodgers’ recruiting approach played a decisive role in his decision. As a free agent, he evaluated multiple opportunities, but Los Angeles stood out in how they communicated their vision and expressed their desire to bring him aboard.
“It’s a market I was in,” Díaz said, via Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. “I was a free agent, so I got the chance to talk with everyone. I think the Dodgers did a great job recruiting me. At the end of the day, I chose to be here.”
Díaz was quick to emphasize that his departure was not rooted in dissatisfaction. He expressed deep respect for the Mets organization — from the clubhouse to ownership noting that he was treated well during his time in Queens. Still, the opportunity to join a perennial contender like the Dodgers and embrace a new challenge ultimately won out.
“I have a lot of respect for the Mets organization, players, staff, ownership. They treated me really good. I don’t have anything bad to say about them. This is a new journey for me and I’m happy to be with the Dodgers,” Díaz added.
The timing of the move follows an outstanding season for the three-time All-Star. Díaz posted a 6-3 record with a sparkling 1.63 ERA and collected 28 saves, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s most reliable late-inning weapons.
Now positioned as the closer for what many consider baseball’s most complete roster, Díaz could be poised for even bigger numbers. The Dodgers’ ability to consistently build late-game leads may provide him with more save opportunities than nearly any other reliever in the majors.
While the Mets remain competitive and are aiming to rebound after missing the postseason, the Dodgers enter the 2026 campaign with championship expectations and a legitimate chance to pursue a third consecutive World Series title. For Díaz, the appeal of joining that pursuit proved too strong to pass up.
As he embarks on this new chapter in Los Angeles, Díaz appears confident in his choice grateful for his past in New York, but fully invested in the opportunity ahead.
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