Dodgers Weigh Edwin Díaz Pursuit as Reliever Market Takes Shape

The Mets made one of the earliest bullpen acquisitions of the offseason by signing All-Star closer Devin Williams to a three-year contract. This move provides New York with a built-in insurance policy in case Edwin Díaz explores opportunities elsewhere in free agency. However, Williams’ deal goes beyond stabilizing the Mets’ bullpen; it also sets the broader market for elite relievers, which could directly impact the Dodgers as they plan their winter priorities.

For Los Angeles, the structure of Williams’ contract offers a clearer understanding of what Díaz might demand. While his exact demands remain uncertain, industry projections suggest he could seek a four-year contract in the $80–85 million range. Considering his performance, that figure may even increase. Díaz had another dominant season for the Mets in 2025, posting a 1.63 ERA across 66.1 innings while going 6–3 and solidifying his status as one of baseball’s top relief pitchers.

A reliever with his track record would instantly enhance the Dodgers’ bullpen. Even after winning back-to-back championships, the Dodgers entered the offseason facing real questions in relief, particularly after their 2025 gamble on Tanner Scott didn’t yield the expected elite results. Scott’s four-year, $72 million contract was intended to anchor the bullpen, but his inconsistent performance made that vision challenging to achieve. While the Dodgers remain confident that Scott will rebound in 2026, his uneven season highlighted the need for more stability and depth in their bullpen.

If the Dodgers deem Díaz’s asking price too high, there are still compelling alternatives. One intriguing option is former Rays closer Pete Fairbanks, who has quietly emerged as one of the American League’s most consistent late-inning arms. Over seven seasons with Tampa Bay, Fairbanks achieved a 2.98 ERA while consistently handling high-leverage situations. His 2025 campaign may have been his most impressive yet, as he logged over 60 innings with a 2.83 ERA and continued to showcase the power fastball and sharp slider that define his repertoire.

Unlike Díaz, whose market may increase due to his track record and strikeout totals, Fairbanks presents a high-upside target who would come at a significantly lower cost. For a Dodgers front office seeking impactful right-handed relief without committing elite-tier money, Fairbanks meets all the necessary criteria. His combination of durability, swing-and-miss stuff, and ninth-inning experience would immediately bolster a bullpen that struggled with consistency last season.

With Williams and Ryan Helsley already out of the picture, the availability of top right-handed relievers is dwindling. Whether Los Angeles opts for a strong pursuit of Díaz or shifts towards value arms like Fairbanks, the bullpen will remain a key focus of the organization's offseason. If the Dodgers genuinely intend to achieve a three-peat, adding at least one more reliable late-inning arm may become an essential decision.

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