The Los Angeles Dodgers tried to address their bullpen issues in a number of different ways this past season, including a trade with the Cincinnati Reds for Alexis Díaz.
The experiment was short lived, as the Dodgers later designated Díaz for assignment on Sept. 4. One World Series title later, the team has brought his older brother, Edwin Díaz, into the fold on a three-year, $69 million free agent contract.
The Dodgers formally introduced the All-Star closer during a press conference at Dodger Stadium last week, with the right-hander answering questions about his decision to sign with L.A.
While Alexis only made nine appearances for the Dodgers, he had a positive experience with them. That was enough to speak highly of the organization to Edwin, influencing his decision in free agency.
“Yeah, I did talk to Alexis a little bit when the conversations were getting close to signing with the Dodger,” Edwin Díaz said. “He told me they’re a really good organization and they treat every player like they are all really good players.
“That was something I was looking for. He told me great things about the Dodgers, and made it easy for me.”
Kiké Hernández also helped facilitate the deal by informing president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman that Edwin’s interest in signing with the Dodgers was real and not a leverage play against the New York Mets.
Additionally, Hernández also talked up the Dodgers.
“Yes, I talked with Kiké a little bit before signing,” Díaz said in Spanish. “He told me a lot of great things about the Dodgers.”
Further details about his contract with the Dodgers include a conditional option for 2029 and incentives built into that potential extra season.
Edwin Díaz values how Dodgers treat players
The Dodgers’ winning culture is well known throughout the league and helps make L.A. an attractive destination for free agents. In addition to that, Díaz was impressed by the way the organization treats all of its players.
“I heard great things about this clubhouse. My brother played here, so he told me great things about the Dodgers clubhouse,” he said. “They treat every single player the same, and that’s really nice.
“I know they have a lot of great players and future Hall of Famers, but they treat the young guys like they are the same guys. That’s good, because I think that’s how a winning clubhouse is.”
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