The Los Angeles Dodgers once again proved they are willing to spend whatever it takes to get back to the World Series over the offseason, signing free agent closer Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million contract — setting an MLB record for the most expensive contract offered to a relief pitcher.
Diaz, who held a 3.0 wins above replacement rating last season with a 1.63 ERA, instantly provides a boost to the Dodgers’ weakest group of players. With a reliable closer secured, the oft-maligned Dodger bullpen should see significant improvement over last season, when it ranked in the bottom third of Major League Baseball in team bullpen ERA.