The key factor that pushed Edwin Diaz to Dodgers over Mets and Braves

Now that Edwin Diaz has been introduced as the future face of the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen, details are emerging about how the Dodgers landed him and won an intense battle over the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves for his services.

According to an ESPN article, the 31-year-old Diaz, who had pitched for the Mets since being traded there by the Seattle Mariners after the 2018 season, waited to make any kind of decision on where he would pitch in 2026 and beyond until a contract offer came from the Mets. With a three-year deal from the Dodgers and a five-year contract from the Braves in hand, Diaz was "miffed" when the Mets inked reliever Devin Williams to a three-year deal.

How Dodgers landed Edwin Diaz over Mets and Braves

Still, Diaz waited until the Mets reportedly offered three years and $66 million with $21 million deferred over 10 years. Negotiations between Diaz and the Mets reportedly moved on from there, with the Mets adding a $9 million signing bonus in another offer to match what the Dodgers had put on the table. The $21 million deferral moved from 10 to 15 years in the new deal.

Diaz, however, reportedly demanded an annual average value of at least $20 million as well as less deferred money spread over a shorter time span. At that point, both the Mets and Braves refused to give in on those terms, giving the Dodgers the advantage and the eventual road to signing Diaz for three years and $69 million (an average annual value of $23 million).

According to the Associated Press, Diaz gets a $9 million signing bonus payable on Feb. 1. He also receives a $14 million salary in 2026 and $23 million in each of the following two seasons. The Dodgers will also defer just $4.5 million annually.

The Dodgers have shown in recent years their creativity when it comes to contracts, and their use of deferred money has become a calling card in their negotiations. That creativity and willingness to bend to get the player they want paid off again in the Diaz sweepstakes.