Dodgers suddenly facing surprising Edwin Diaz playoff roster decision

There aren’t many players who are left off the playoff roster after signing a lucrative contract with an MLB team in free agency. Could that be what ends up happening with Edwin Diaz, who signed a $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2026 season? Diaz’s historic contract stands out, but the Dodgers want their best possible 26-man roster available during the playoffs. The veteran closer has been limited to 16 games pitched this year due to injury, and he’s turned in a lackluster 11.85 ERA while on the mound.

“If you’re the Dodgers, you’re going to take your 26 best and they have talked at various points about how they feel this year’s pitching staff, one to 13, whatever it might be in the postseason, one to 12, will be the strongest they’ve ever taken into October,” MLB insider Ken Rosenthal said recently during an appearance on Foul Territory. “They have believed that at various points and it still might prove to be true. If Diaz in their estimation isn’t going to be good enough to be part of that, they’re not going to take him.

“This is a win-at-all-costs kind of industry here.”

The idea of a three-time All-Star closer being left off the postseason roster may surprise fans despite his struggles and lack of availability this year. However, this is a Dodgers ball club that has displayed it is willing to do whatever is necessary to win.

Could Diaz turn things around and make an impact in the playoffs if given an opportunity? Absolutely. There is a realistic chance of Diaz making the postseason roster.

Rosenthal’s admission suggests Los Angeles will at least consider the idea of entering October without Diaz on the playoff roster, though.