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Diaz walked one batter and struck out two over a scoreless inning for Team Puerto Rico in an elimination loss to Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic on Saturday.
Though Diaz and Puerto Rico won't advance, the tournament went well for the All-Star closer, as he pitched three scoreless frames and posted a 7:1 K:BB. Of course, the last time Diaz pitched in the WBC (in 2023), he tore his right patellar tendon and missed the subsequent MLB campaign, so the Dodgers have to be pleased that their offseason acquisition is returning to the club in good health. Diaz should see plenty of save chances this season for a team that is once again expected to be among the best in baseball.
The Dodgers signed Diaz to a three-year, $69 million contract Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
For the second straight offseason the Dodgers have inked the top closer on the free-agent market. The $23 million average annual value sets a new record for a reliever. Diaz will turn 32 in March but is coming off one of his best seasons, having collected a 1.63 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 98:21 K:BB over 66.1 innings while notching 28 saves. He will take over as closer for the two-time defending World Series champs.
Diaz rejected the Mets' one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer Tuesday, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.
Diaz opted out of the two years and $38 million remaining on his contract with the Mets earlier this month, and now he has passed on the qualifying offer. Neither decision was a surprise, as the closer shouldn't have difficulty netting a big multi-year pact this winter. If he leaves the Mets, New York will receive a draft pick as compensation.
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