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12/09 17:40 CST Daz agrees to $69M, 3-year deal with World Series champion
Dodgers, AP source says, leaves Mets
Daz agrees to $69M, 3-year deal with World Series champion Dodgers, AP source
says, leaves Mets
By RONALD BLUM
AP Baseball Writer
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) --- Closer Edwin Daz has agreed to a $69 million,
three-year contract with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, a
person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
The person spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the agreement was
subject to a successful physical. Daz's agreement includes deferred payments
by the Dodgers, who already owed $1.051 billion in deferred pay to eight
players from 2028-46.
"The Dodgers are the Goliath and they went and got something that they really,
really needed," said agent Scott Boras, who does not represent Daz. "I'm sure
that there was a goal on the part of the player that he felt that maybe he
could achieve his goals differently with the Dodgers than he could with the
Mets. ... Right now in our industry when a Goliath snaps his fingers, he seems
to be getting what he wants."
A three-time All-Star who turns 32 on March 22, Daz joins a Dodgers bullpen
that struggled last season, causing the team to shift rookie starter Roki
Sasaki to closer in the postseason. Los Angeles relievers had a 4.27 ERA, 21st
among the 30 teams.
Relying on a 97-98 mph fastball and slider, Daz became a fan favorite at Citi
Field, where horns blared and fans danced when he entered games to "Narco" by
Blasterjaxx & Timmy Trumpet.
'Since the deal is not official, I can't comment on it. I'm very optimistic
about where our offseason is headed," Mets president of baseball operations
David Stearns said. "We certainly have work to do, but there are many good
players out there. I'm confident we'll like where our team is once we get to
opening day."
New York prepared for Daz's possible departure by agreeing to a $51 million,
three-year contract with Devin Williams, who left the crosstown Yankees after
one season.
"I've certainly seen Devin perform at a very high level for a long time,"
Stearns said. "Have full confidence that he can be one of the best relievers in
baseball. I think he's very motivated to do that."
Daz joins a Dodgers bullpen that includes left-hander Tanner Scott, who was
bothered by elbow inflammation in his first season after signing a $72 million,
four-year contract. Jack Dreyer, Anthony Banda and Alex Vesia also are in the
bullpen.
Daz had 28 saves in 31 chances last season with a 6-3 record and 1.63 ERA for
a disappointing Mets team that failed to reach the playoffs despite spending
the second-most behind the Dodgers. He struck out 98 in 66 1/3 innings.
He has 253 saves in 294 chances over nine seasons with the Seattle (2016-18)
and the Mets, who acquired him along with second baseman Robinson Can for five
players that included Jarred Kelenic and Anthony Swarzak. Daz missed the 2023
season after tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee during a postgame
celebration with Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic.
Daz agreed to a $102 million, five-year contract with the Mets after the 2022
season, a deal that included deferred money payable through 2042. He had the
right to opt out after three years and $64 million to become a free agent
again. Of that $64 million, $15.5 million is deferred and payable through July
1, 2039.
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AP freelance writer Kristie Ackert contributed to this report.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
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