Edwin Díaz Bio
Edwin Orlando Díaz Laboy is a Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets. Díaz was selected by the Mariners in the third round of the 2012 MLB draft and made his MLB debut with them in 2016. Notably, he has earned several All-Star selections and has set various records during his career.
Early Life and Background
Edwin Díaz was born on March 22, 1994, in Naguabo, Puerto Rico. He grew up in the Daguao barrio, where he began playing baseball at the age of seven, initially as a center fielder. During his youth, he played alongside notable players like Carlos Correa and José Berríos. Encouraged by his father, Díaz transitioned to pitching as a teenager, which would ultimately shape his professional career.
Path to Baseball
Díaz was selected by the Seattle Mariners as the 98th overall pick in the third round of the 2012 MLB draft from Caguas Military Academy in Caguas, Puerto Rico. He made his professional debut that season with the AZL Mariners, where he pitched in nine games, compiling a 2–1 record with a 5.21 earned run average (ERA) and 20 strikeouts over 19 innings. His performance in the minor leagues earned him recognition, and he was named the Mariners’ fifth-best prospect prior to the 2014 season.
Edwin Díaz Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Edwin Díaz made his MLB debut on June 4, 2016, and quickly established himself as a formidable pitcher. He recorded his first MLB strikeout against Tyler Naquin and set a Mariners franchise record by recording 11 consecutive outs via strikeout. By the end of the 2016 season, he had a 6–3 record with a 1.63 ERA, 98 strikeouts, and 28 saves, finishing fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. In 2018, he earned his first All-Star selection and won the American League Reliever of the Year Award after leading MLB with 57 saves.
Breakthrough (2019–2025)
In December 2018, Díaz was traded to the New York Mets, where he continued to excel. He recorded his first save as a Met on Opening Day against the Washington Nationals. Despite facing challenges in the 2019 season, including a high ERA, he rebounded in subsequent years. In 2022, he was named an All-Star for the second time and won the National League Reliever of the Year Award. He also pitched in a combined no-hitter on April 29, 2022, against the Philadelphia Phillies. His performance in 2025 solidified his status as one of the top relievers in MLB, leading to his selection as an All-Star for the third time.
Notable Works and Milestones
Edwin Díaz is known for his impressive achievements, including multiple All-Star selections and several awards for his performance as a reliever. He has set records for saves and strikeouts, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
Edwin Díaz Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Edwin Díaz has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, highlighting his impact in Major League Baseball.
Edwin Díaz Awards Won
Edwin Díaz has won several awards, including multiple selections as an All-Star and recognition as Reliever of the Year in both the American and National Leagues.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 3× All-Star | 3 | 2018, 2022, 2025 |
| AL Reliever of the Year | 1 | 2018 |
| NL Reliever of the Year | 2 | 2022, 2025 |
| All-MLB First Team | 1 | 2022 |
Edwin Díaz Family
Information about Edwin Díaz’s family is limited, but he has a younger brother, Alexis Díaz, who is also a professional baseball player.
Personal Life
Edwin Díaz spends his offseason in Daguao, Puerto Rico, where he has organized baseball clinics for local children. He is known for his nickname, “Sugar,” given to him by teammates due to his resemblance to the fictional character Miguel “Sugar” Santos from the film “Sugar.”