After securing their second straight championship in 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers identified their bullpen as a key area needing improvement, especially with closer Tanner Scott underperforming. To bolster their relief pitching, the Dodgers signed veteran closer Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million contract during the offseason, aiming to bring reliability in critical moments.
Diaz, who debuted in the major leagues in 2016, brings significant accolades to the Dodgers, including three All-Star appearances, three Reliever of the Year awards, and selection to the All-MLB First Team. This level of experience addresses the Dodgers’ need for a dependable closer as they prepare for another competitive season.
Will Smith’s Approach to Building a Strong Catcher-Pitcher Partnership
At spring training, Dodgers catcher Will Smith explained how he is focusing on developing a strong working relationship with Diaz. His approach centers on communication and understanding Diaz’s strengths and preferences on the mound.
“(During spring training) You just talk to guys, you get to know them. That’s what I do with Edwin. I get to know him. I get to know who he is, who he is as a pitcher as well,” Smith said.
“Yeah, just start having a conversation, start figuring out what’s best for him, what doesn’t work for him. He knows what he’s doing. I’ve faced him enough times to know that. So yeah, just trying to get on the same page as him, learn from him, let him just build that trust and let him trust me,” he added.
Smith’s efforts to synchronize with Diaz are critical for the bullpen’s success, as the rapport between catcher and closer often determines the outcome of high-pressure innings.
Edwin Diaz Reflects on Choosing the Dodgers in Free Agency
Edwin Diaz’s decision to leave the New York Mets and join the Dodgers surprised some in the baseball community, including Mets owner Steve Cohen, who admitted finding Diaz’s free agency choice puzzling. Diaz, however, provided insight into why Los Angeles was the right fit for him when speaking to reporters.
“It’s a market I was in. I was a free agent, so I got the chance to talk with everyone. And I think the Dodgers did a great job of recruiting me. At the end of the day, I chose to be here. I have a lot of respect for the Mets organization, players, staff, and ownership,” Diaz said.
“They treated me really good. I don’t have anything bad to say about them. But at the end of the day, I’m here. This is a new journey for me, and I’m happy to be with the Dodgers, so let’s see how it goes,” he added.
Diaz’s comments highlight his appreciation for his former team while emphasizing his excitement about his new role in Los Angeles as he embarks on this next chapter.
Diaz’s Impact on Dodgers’ 2025 Season and Future Prospects
In 2025, Diaz posted an impressive 1.63 ERA, recording 98 strikeouts and 28 saves, demonstrating his dominance and reliability as a closer. With such performance added to the Dodgers’ bullpen, the team and fans are hopeful about the possibility of achieving an unprecedented three-peat.
Given Diaz’s track record and the strategic efforts from players like Will Smith to build trust and teamwork, the Dodgers appear positioned to address past bullpen weaknesses and maintain their standing as a top contender in the league.
Broader Spring Training Developments Highlight MLB’s Competitive Dynamics
As the Dodgers build cohesion around Diaz and Smith, other teams are generating their own buzz during spring training. Notably, the Toronto Blue Jays have sparked optimism with prospects Jesus Sanchez and a $60 million signing making a strong impression. Meanwhile, Mets participants like Nolan McLean are fueling high expectations with their $75 million All-Star talent.
Additionally, Blue Jays manager John Schneider has provided early assessments of Dylan Cease’s role as the team charts its path forward. These developments underscore the intense competition and shifting player dynamics throughout Major League Baseball’s offseason and spring events.
The ongoing trust-building between Will Smith and Edwin Diaz illustrates the importance of catcher-pitcher chemistry in securing late-game victories, especially for a team aiming to repeat as champions. The Dodgers’ investment in Diaz not only improves their bullpen but also signals a commitment to sustained excellence as they approach the new season with determined optimism.
"Just trying to get on the same page with him [Edwin Díaz] and build that trust."#Dodgers catcher Will Smith on building a strong relationship between a pitcher & catcher:@Dodgers
🔗 https://t.co/WG5zyiVTKm pic.twitter.com/GHAoPUDa1G— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 18, 2026
Edwin Díaz was asked today about Mets owner Steve Cohen calling his decision to join the Dodgers “perplexing.” His response … pic.twitter.com/Zgn1geqfwt
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) February 14, 2026
