Bold truth: Edwin Diaz chose the Dodgers over the Mets for a reason that still sparks debate, and the latest comments from Diaz and Steve Cohen only deepen the conversation. Diaz, who joined the Dodgers in free agency after the Mets’ three-year, $66 million offer trailed the Dodgers’ $69 million deal, says the final call wasn’t about money alone. He reiterates that he was a free agent with the chance to talk to anyone, credits the Dodgers’ recruiting approach, and emphasizes his respect for the Mets so far—but makes clear that this is a new chapter for him with a new team.
Diaz framed his decision as a personal choice rather than a reflection on the Mets’ organization, staff, and players, noting that he doesn’t have anything bad to say about them. His stance contrasts with owner Steve Cohen’s lingering perplexity, which Cohen voiced after Diaz’s decision. Cohen had suggested he could have improved the offer, stating he found Diaz’s choice to be surprising and contending that their bid might have been stronger than it appeared.
In the meantime, the Mets had already built a contingency plan should Diaz depart. They acquired Devin Williams, a veteran closer with experience from the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees, along with fellow ex-Yankee Luke Weaver, to shore up relief depth.
Cohen reflected on the strategic move, describing Williams’ signing as clever and a hedge against the Diaz outcome, especially when the situation around Diaz’s decision was heating up. He explained the decision as a calculated risk, intended to preserve flexibility if Diaz stayed or went elsewhere.
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