Edwin Díaz’s contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers included more than $13 million in deferrals, which reduced the salary cap hit to roughly $21.1 million.
In total, Díaz and the Dodgers agreed to a three-year, $69 million contract. It was a surprising decision for the top free agent reliever on the market, as he was projected to receive a four- or five-year deal.
Furthermore, the Dodgers have protected themselves with a conditional option for 2029 as well in the event of an injury, according to Alden González of ESPN:
Edwin Diaz's 3-year, $69 million contract includes a conditional 2029 option that the Dodgers can trigger if he misses a certain amount of time on the injured list, a source said. @JonHeyman reported that it's for a base salary of $6.5M.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) December 15, 2025
All in all, it is as much of a team-friendly deal that a contract paying $21.1 million per season can be. But it is in the best interest of both parties that the 2029 option will not have to be excised, as that would mean Díaz remained relatively healthy throughout the duration of his deal with the Dodgers.
The New York Mets were the Dodgers’ biggest competition for Díaz. They made a comparable offer and were reportedly willing to increase it before he chose to sign elsewhere.
Securing the right-hander’s services with only a three-year commitment lines up well with the Dodgers’ timeline as they hope to make the transition to becoming a younger team over the course of the next couple of seasons after 2026.
Kiké Hernández helped Dodgers with Edwin Díaz
Díaz revealed during his introductory press conference that he spoke with Hernández prior to signing with the Dodgers. The pair have been teammates for the Puerto Rican national team in the last two World Baseball Classic tournaments.
During an appearance with David Vassegh at the Polo Ralph Lauren store in Commerce, Calif., Hernández revealed what message and assurances he gave Díaz about the Dodgers organization.
Hernández himself is currently a free agent, but it is still no surprise that he would speak highly of the Dodgers. He’s regularly praised the organization and fanbase, and last winter publicly clamored to be re-signed.
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