Edwin Díaz 'this wasn't easy' on leaving New York and choosing Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers introduced the newest piece of their ever-evolving championship puzzle Friday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, and fittingly, it came with a reminder that winning — and spending — still matter in Chavez Ravine.

Closer Edwin Díaz, officially unveiled after agreeing to a three-year, $69 million deal earlier this week, walked into the interview room with President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and General Manager Brandon Gomes. Sitting nearby were Díaz’s wife and their three sons, a quiet but powerful reminder that this move was about more than just baseball.

After seven seasons in New York, Díaz is trading the East Coast grind for West Coast expectations — and doing so with eyes wide open.

“This wasn’t easy,” Díaz said. “I spent seven years in New York. They treated me really good, they treated me great.”

The Mets wanted him back. Their offer — three years, $66 million — was nearly identical. But the Dodgers went just a little further, and in doing so, nudged the All-Star closer across the country. Three million dollars more, yes, but also something more challenging to quantify: stability, safety, and a roster built to win right now.

Díaz acknowledged that uprooting his family wasn’t a simple decision. Those conversations started close to home. His brother, Alexis Díaz, who spent part of last season with the Dodgers, offered insight into the clubhouse and culture. Then there was Kiké Hernández, the longtime Dodger and fellow Puerto Rican, who became an unexpected but influential voice.

Díaz and Hernández have built a friendship over the years — one that extends well beyond the diamond, including shared moments off the field like attending a Bad Bunny concert together. When Díaz reached out, Hernández didn’t just sell him on baseball.

“My priority was my family,” Díaz said. “I wanted to make sure they would be safe, that they would be happy.”

According to Díaz, Hernández didn’t hesitate.

“He told me this was the move,” Díaz said. “For me and for my family.”

That reassurance mattered. Los Angeles can feel overwhelming from afar, especially for someone who spent nearly a decade navigating the intensity of New York. But Díaz isn’t running from pressure — he’s running toward it.

The Dodgers, after all, are the sport’s gold standard. Back-to-back World Series championships have raised the bar even higher, and Díaz understands exactly what comes with closing games in Dodger Stadium.

“I chose the Dodgers because they’re a winning organization,” he said. “I’m looking to win. And I think they have everything to win. Picking the Dodgers was pretty easy.”

Easy might not be the right word — but confident fits.

Díaz will wear No. 3 in Dodger blue, a new look after his familiar No. 39 was unavailable, retired in honor of Hall of Famer Roy Campanella. Díaz mentioned he chose No. 3 because he has three sons. It’s a small change that symbolizes a bigger shift: a new city, a new role, and a new set of expectations.

For the Dodgers, Friday wasn’t just about adding another elite arm to the back of the bullpen. It was about reinforcing a message they’ve sent all winter — that winning now is still the priority.

For Díaz, it was the start of a new chapter, one built on trust, family, and the belief that the pressure in Los Angeles is exactly where he belongs.Also, Díaz did confirmed that his trumpets walk out song will still be in full effect once he comes out of the Dodger bullpen.