When Edwin Díaz entered free agency after the 2025 season, many believed there was a strong chance he would remain with the New York Mets.
After all, the star closer had spent seven seasons in Queens, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in the franchise. But when the dust settled, Díaz signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, officially ending his long run in New York.
Now, Díaz has revealed the real factor behind that decision.
Díaz Initially Kept the Door Open for a Mets Return
New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Shortly after the season ended, Díaz made it clear that staying with the Mets was still very much a possibility.
Speaking in November, he described his chances of returning to New York as “50-50.”
At the time, Díaz expressed both affection for the organization and uncertainty about its plans.
“I love New York. I would love to stay in New York,” Díaz said when discussing free agency.
However, he also made it clear that his priority was securing the best possible situation for his family.
“I want the best deal for my family,” Díaz explained. “I want to win a ring, so wherever I go, I want to win a ring and enjoy the time.”
Dodgers Ultimately Won the Bidding
In the end, the Dodgers offered Díaz a deal he couldn’t turn down.
The three-year, $69 million contract not only secured his future but also gave him the highest average annual salary for a relief pitcher in MLB history at the time of the signing.
That contract ultimately tipped the balance away from New York.
Family Played the Biggest Role
In a recent interview with Newsday’s David Lennon, Díaz again emphasized that the decision was heavily influenced by family considerations.
Leaving the Mets wasn’t easy after spending so many years with the club, but Díaz explained that his family’s well-being came first.
“It was a decision I made with my family,” Díaz said. “I always put my family as part of my decision.”
He reiterated that the Dodgers’ offer represented the best opportunity for his family, which ultimately drove the move.
A Difficult Goodbye to Queens
For Mets fans, Díaz’s departure marked the end of an era.
The closer became a fan favorite in New York, especially during his dominant seasons when his entrance music — “Narco” — turned Citi Field into one of baseball’s most electric environments.
Even so, Díaz made it clear that the choice wasn’t about leaving New York behind as much as it was about securing the right situation moving forward.
Could a Reunion Ever Happen?
While Díaz is now firmly part of the Dodgers bullpen, he didn’t completely close the door on the Mets in the future.
Free agency often leads players in unexpected directions, and baseball history is filled with players eventually returning to former teams.
For now, though, Díaz is focused on helping Los Angeles chase another championship — the same goal he mentioned when discussing his priorities during free agency. ⚾
Leave a Reply