Edwin Diaz is a massive problem for the Los Angeles Dodgers right now. We’re talking about a disaster unfolding right before their eyes, making that huge offseason investment look like one of the biggest regrets in baseball. Josh Peter from USA Today wasn’t pulling any punches, writing that “The Dodgers have a massive problem. His name is Edwin Diaz.” And honestly, after seeing his performance, it’s hard to argue with that.
The Mets Dodged a Bullet, Big Time
The New York Mets are having a rough 2026 MLB season, no doubt. They’ve sold off a ton of players at the trade deadline, they’re probably finishing near the bottom of the standings, and most of their offseason moves, like bringing in Jorge Polanco, Freddy Peralta, and Luis Robert Jr., just haven’t worked out. But listen, even a struggling team can make a brilliant decision. And the Mets letting Edwin Diaz walk in free agency to join the Dodgers? That’s looking like an absolute stroke of genius. Think about it: when Diaz was with the Mets, those trumpet sounds late in the game meant one thing: a win was coming. He was incredible, the only pitcher they wanted on the mound to close out a big game. Losing him then must have stung, but looking at how things have gone for L.A., that pain has to be long gone.
A $60M+ Nightmare for Los Angeles
Diaz signed a three-year deal worth over $60 million with the Dodgers, and at this point, they’ve got to be regretting every single penny. Peter put it perfectly: “The sound of trumpets are now the sound of alarm for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Oh, dear. Here comes closer Edwin Diaz again.” In just 14 appearances for the Dodgers this season, across 11.2 innings pitched, Diaz is sporting a brutal 11.57 ERA with a negative 1.2 bWAR. Seriously, how do you even get a negative bWAR over such a short span? He’s blown four saves in those 14 outings, including one Thursday night where he coughed up a two-run lead by allowing four straight hits. Plus, he missed a huge chunk of the season, landing on the injured list after his April 19 outing and only returning on July 29. Since coming back, in seven games and 5.2 innings, his ERA is an even more unbelievable 12.71.
The Mets absolutely made the right call not re-signing him. For the Dodgers, this massive investment has turned into a total disaster, and with the season rolling on, it’s a huge cloud hanging over their heads.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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