Edwin Diaz donned a different-than-usual blue jersey and cap on Friday as he was officially introduced as the newest member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
One of baseball’s best relievers has moved clubs and coasts, agreeing to a lucrative contract as a free agent.
The Dodgers believe he has what it takes to become their first true run-stopper in five years.
And that iconic entrance music? It will stay exactly the same.
“It’s going to be super exciting to hear the trumpet in Los Angeles,” Diaz said. It’s going to be special. »
Diaz left the New York Mets after seven years, accepting a $69M offer for three with the World Series champions.
“After so long, it wasn’t an easy decision,” Diaz said. I was treated very well by the Mets. I chose the Dodgers because they are a winning team. I’m someone who wants to win, and I believe the Dodgers have everything they need to win. »
In the Queens section of the Big Apple, Diaz became a crowd favorite for his talent, fire and arriving to the sound of Timmy Trumpet’s ‘Narco’.
Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes even floated the idea of a Diaz bobblehead with a trumpet.
“In our quest to add impact players, we found Edwin to be the perfect piece,” Gomes said. He thinks of the team above all and he will fit perfectly into our locker room.
“In the playoffs, he’s willing to come in fourth or fifth, or he can take multiple innings to finish a game. He is not afraid to work hard and he will guide young people by setting an example. This is exactly what we need. »
Diaz, 31, has 28 saves this year, posting a 1.63 ERA.
In 66 1/3 innings, he struck out 98 batters.
Diaz will wear number 3. For the Dodgers, his usual number 39 is retired in honor of catcher Roy Campanella. Diaz chose 3 in honor of his three sons.
