Height
6'3"
Weight
165 lbs
Age
32
College
N/A
Draft
2012, Rd 3, #98
Experience
9 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsA+
| Year | Team | GP | ERA | W-L | K | WHIP | IP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 522 | 2.8139386 | 28-36 | 841 | 1.0338875 | 0.0 | 255 |
Current Contract
Length
3 years
Total Value
$69.0M
Guaranteed
$41.4M
AAV
$23.0M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
The Dodgers' decision to hand Edwin Diaz a massive 3-year, $23M AAV deal earns a D+ CVI, representing a significant overpay for even an elite closer in today's market. While Diaz remains a dominant force at the back end of the bullpen with his devastating slider-fastball combination, paying $69 million total for three years of a reliever—regardless of talent level—flies in the face of modern roster construction principles. The contract becomes even more questionable when considering Diaz will be 34-36 during the deal's duration, an age range where relievers historically face steep decline curves and increased injury risk. Los Angeles already possesses one of baseball's deepest farm systems and multiple internal options who could provide 70-80% of Diaz's production at a fraction of the cost, making this allocation of resources particularly puzzling for a franchise typically known for analytical precision. The Dodgers' competitive window remains wide open, but tying up this much payroll space in a volatile, injury-prone position represents poor asset management that could limit their flexibility in pursuing impact position players or starting pitchers. Even with Diaz's elite strikeout numbers and proven playoff experience, no closer—not even the best in the game—provides enough incremental value to justify this astronomical price tag.
Performance Analysis
Edwin Diaz grades as an elite performer among MLB relief pitchers, earning a A+ Performance grade. He carries a 2.82 ERA (below the league average of 4.20, a strong mark) and a 1.04 WHIP across 519.1 innings pitched with a 14.5 K/9 rate. His 28-36 record with 253 saves provides context on team support and run prevention. His strikeout rate of 14.5 per nine innings ranks among the best in the league, showing dominant swing-and-miss ability. As a prime-age veteran at 32, Edwin is a key contributor for the Dodgers. A 520-game sample provides high confidence in this grade.
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