The Los Angeles Dodgers' signing of Edwin Diaz to a record-breaking contract (in terms of AAV) is sure to have numerous ramifications on MLB in 2026 and beyond, as the two-time reigning champions now have one of the best closers in baseball ready to join forces with an elite rotation and lineup.
The Boston Red Sox were never going to be in his market, thanks to the presence of their own star closer Aroldis Chapman. During the middle of a (re)breakout campaign in 2025, the flamethrowing southpaw signed a one-year, $13.3 million extension to remain in Beantown for an additional season.