Dodgers Land Edwin Díaz as Mets Face Backlash and Stearns Addresses Fans

On December 9, ESPN reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers signed former New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million deal, identifying him as the top reliever available in free agency. The contract established a new high for a reliever’s average annual value and aligned with Los Angeles’s effort to rebuild a bullpen that ended the 2025 season with a 4.27 ERA and 27 blown saves. Díaz reached the market after allowing 14 walks over 66⅓ innings, striking out 98 batters, converting 28 of 31 save chances, and recording a 1.63 ERA for New York.

Asked by SNY about the reported signing, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns responded within league rules on unofficial transactions. “I’ve certainly seen the reporting, but because it’s not official, I can’t comment on it at this point,” he said, adding, “Certainly understand there’s going to be a lot of questions, but at this point I’ve got to stay pretty mum on it.”

As news of the signing spread, sportsbooks responded immediately. Major operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, PointsBet, and Caesars kept the Dodgers at the top of their 2026 World Series boards, where they already sat following their second straight championship. Odds across these books generally placed Los Angeles in the +350 to +380 range, and tracking services showed the Dodgers maintaining that position after adding Díaz.

With Stearns unable to discuss the reported deal directly, SNY asked him to address Mets fans concerned about the club’s direction. He outlined the organization’s stance by saying, “We are very optimistic and confident about where our organization is headed,” referencing ownership support, top-end major league talent, and what he described as one of baseball’s best farm systems. He also recognized frustration with the 2025 season and said roster moves must address both current needs and long-term goals.

Reaction around the league included analysis of the Dodgers’ decision-making. On the December 9 episode of Foul Territory, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal said, “Diaz was a stunner, and everyone knew that the Dodgers were in on relievers, late-inning relievers,” explaining that expectations had centered on shorter-term bullpen moves before Los Angeles committed three years, accepted the loss of two draft picks, and absorbed a million dollars in international bonus money.

Fan reaction in New York grew intense as details emerged. Comments on social media questioned why the Mets did not match Los Angeles’ offer, particularly after signing Devin Williams for three years and $51 million.

Fire David Stearns. pic.twitter.com/BMgLF9lMga

— Jason (@MetsFanJason) December 9, 2025

Additional reporting from Joel Sherman of the New York Post stated that the Mets offered Díaz a three-year, $66 million contract with deferred money. His 1.63 ERA across 66 innings—the best in the National League in 2025—became a prominent reference point in fan criticism.

Stearns had previously acquired Williams early in the offseason, anticipating the need for bullpen reinforcement if Díaz departed. He told SNY he was confident Williams could handle the closer role after their shared history in Milwaukee and said he had seen Williams perform at a high level. Williams allowed 33 earned runs and posted an 85 ERA+ last season with the Yankees. The Mets continued evaluating additional relievers, including Robert Suárez, Pete Fairbanks, and Luke Weaver, as they adjusted their bullpen structure.