Mets blindsided by Edwin Diaz departure as Dodgers maintain upper hand

New York Mets v Miami Marlins | Tomas Diniz Santos/GettyImagesThe Los Angeles Dodgers have done it again. According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, All-Star closer Edwin Díaz and the Dodgers are in agreement on a deal, and the reaction across the league can be summed up in one word: shock — especially in Queens.

Díaz, who was easily the top arm in the bullpen market this offseason, is signing with the Dodgers for three years and $69 million, per Jeff Passan. The deal sets a new AAV record for a relief pitcher. Because Díaz rejected a one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer, New York will receive draft pick compensation.

The 31-year-old right-hander opted out the remaining two years and $37…