The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a bold move by signing elite closer Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract. However, this deal comes with a significant financial commitment that extends far into the future, adding to the team’s already staggering deferred payment obligations.
Dodgers’ Billion-Dollar Deferred Payment Gamble
The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken a calculated risk by signing Edwin Díaz, a three-time All-Star closer, to a lucrative three-year, $69 million contract. This move not only solidifies their bullpen for the foreseeable future but also adds to their already substantial deferred payment commitments. His deferred payments raise the Dodgers’ total to $1,064,500. Their high point due in a year is $102.3 million in both 2038 and 2039. “AP” With this deal, the Dodgers now owe over $1 billion in deferred payments to nine players, a staggering sum that underscores their willingness to invest heavily in talent while deferring a significant portion of the costs.
Edwin Díaz: The $69 Million Bullpen Anchor
Edwin Díaz, a 31-year-old right-hander, has established himself as one of the premier closers in Major League Baseball. In 2022, he recorded 28 saves, a 1.63 ERA, and an impressive 98 strikeouts in 66.1 innings for the New York Mets. Over his nine-year career with the Seattle Mariners and the Mets, Díaz has amassed 253 saves, showcasing his dominance on the mound. His elite combination of a high-velocity fastball and a devastating slider has enabled him to maintain high strikeout rates throughout his career. By signing Díaz, the Dodgers have secured a reliable anchor for their bullpen, addressing a glaring need after their relievers combined for a 4.27 ERA and blew 27 saves in 2025.
Unraveling the Dodgers’ Deferred Dollars Dilemma
The Dodgers’ decision to sign Díaz to a contract with significant deferred payments is part of a larger strategy employed by the team. In addition to Díaz’s deal, which includes $4.5 million deferred annually from 2036 to 2047, the Dodgers have made similar arrangements with other star players. Shohei Ohtani’s $680 million contract, which will be paid out from 2034 to 2043, and Mookie Betts’ $115 million in salaries from 2033 to 2044, are just a few examples of the team’s long-term financial commitments. While this approach allows the Dodgers to assemble a talented roster in the present, it also raises concerns about the team’s ability to manage these obligations in the future.
Díaz’s Mega Deal Fuels Dodgers’ Long-Term Payroll Puzzle
The Dodgers’ strategy of deferring payments has drawn scrutiny from financial analysts and baseball experts alike. With the addition of Díaz’s contract, the team’s highest deferred payment years are now 2038 and 2039, when they will owe a staggering $102.3 million each year. This raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such an approach and the potential impact on the team’s ability to remain competitive in the future. While the Dodgers have demonstrated a willingness to invest heavily in talent, the accumulation of deferred payments could potentially limit their financial flexibility and hinder their ability to make strategic moves down the line.
Díaz’s Blockbuster Contract: Solving the Dodgers’ Bullpen Woes?
Despite the financial implications, the Dodgers’ signing of Edwin Díaz addresses a critical need for the team – solidifying their bullpen. With Díaz anchoring the ninth inning and Tanner Scott lined up as his setup man, the Dodgers believe they have assembled a formidable relief corps. Complemented by the likes of Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, Anthony Banda, and Brusdar Graterol, the Dodgers’ bullpen appears poised to overcome the struggles that plagued them in 2025. While the long-term financial consequences of Díaz’s contract remain a concern, the immediate impact on the team’s on-field performance cannot be overlooked. The Dodgers’ storied history, which includes multiple World Series triumphs and dominant pitching performances from legends like Sandy Koufax and Fernando Valenzuela, serves as a reminder of the team’s commitment to excellence and their willingness to make bold moves to achieve success.
