Dodgers 2026 Bullpen Preview: Edwin Diaz Joins Elite Core The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to have a full-time closer for the first time since 2021 as they prepare for the 2026 season. The team’s acquisition of All-Star reliever Edwin Díaz during the offseason addresses a long-standing issue that hindered their bullpen in 2025. First-year closer Tanner Scott struggled after signing a multi-year deal, leading the Dodgers to shift Japanese rookie Roki Sasaki into the role in October. Díaz, a dominant closer with the New York Mets, returns to the majors after declining the final two years of his $102 million, five-year contract. Over seven seasons with the Mets, he posted a 2.36 ERA, 2.12 SIERA, and 2.15 FIP, along with a 40.8% strikeout rate and 8.9% walk rate. He recorded 144 saves in 332 appearances, establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier closers. Despite turning 32 this season, projections from FanGraphs anticipate a 2.92 ERA and 2.90 FIP across 66 innings for Díaz in Los Angeles. With the Dodgers’ star-studded roster, he is expected to surpass his 28 saves from 2025. Díaz missed most of the Cactus League action due to participation with Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic but has since returned to Camelback Ranch. His presence in the bullpen provides stability, as the Dodgers’ 2025 team ranked 10th in the league with 25 blown saves. Manager Dave Roberts expressed relief at having a reliable 9th-inning option, citing Díaz’s track record of success. Tanner Scott, the team’s previous closer, faced significant challenges in his first season with the Dodgers. After a stellar 2024 campaign with a 1.75 ERA and 28.6% strikeout rate, Scott struggled in 2025, posting a 4.74 ERA, 4.70 FIP, and 11 blown saves. His 25.#world_baseball_classic #los_angeles_dodgers #edwin_diaz #tanner_scott #roki_sasaki
