The New York Mets saw their bullpen take a major hit on Tuesday as their star closer finalized a free-agent move to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Edwin Díaz reportedly agreed to a three-year, $69 million contract with the defending champions, a deal that quickly sparked widespread reaction across social media. One notable response came from former Mets hitting coach Eric Chavez, who was let go following the team’s late-season collapse.
Metsmerized reported that Chavez reshared an @mlbonfox graphic highlighting Díaz’s contract on his Instagram story and added a sticker showing a man laughing, a subtle but eye-catching reaction to the news.
Chavez was among several departures announced by the Mets after the 2025 season. The organization confirmed that both he and fellow hitting coach Jeremy Barnes would not be returning in 2026 as the team reshaped its coaching staff following a disappointing finish.
Will Sammon of The Athletic was the first to report Díaz’s agreement with the Dodgers, while ESPN’s Jeff Passan later added that the deal was for three years and $69 million. The contract sets a new standard for relievers in terms of average annual value, underscoring Díaz’s status around the league.
This offseason marked the first time Díaz tested free agency. He opted out of his previous contract with the Mets and immediately became the most coveted relief pitcher on the market, widely viewed as the top bullpen arm available this winter.
Díaz’s exit creates a significant void at the back end of New York’s bullpen. In his absence, Devin Williams is now positioned to take over as the Mets’ primary closer, unless the club makes another high-impact bullpen addition. The Mets committed to Williams last week with a three-year, $51 million deal, signaling at least a partial plan to move forward after losing one of the game’s premier closers. ⚾