Edwin Díaz said winning drove his decision to join the Dodgers, praising the organization’s culture and clubhouse. The closer called the ninth inning “the toughest three outs” and confirmed he’ll keep his iconic trumpet walkout music at Dodger Stadium.
Edwin Díaz was officially introduced as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, and throughout his introductory press conference, one theme consistently surfaced: winning.
“As we were looking to add impactful players to what we felt was already a championship-caliber club, we felt like Edwin was the perfect fit,” Dodgers executives said. “He’s a selfless superstar. In the playoffs, he’ll take the ball in the 14th inning and go multiple innings to finish a game. That’s exactly what we need.”
Díaz echoed that sentiment when asked about his decision to sign with Los Angeles after spending seven seasons in New York.
“I want to say thank you to the organization for what they did for me the last years,” Díaz said. “They treated me really good. But I chose the Dodgers because they are a winning organization. I’m looking to win, and I think they have everything to win.”
Family played a significant role in the process. Díaz revealed that he leaned on his brother, who previously played for the Dodgers, while weighing his decision.
“I did talk to him when the conversation was getting closer,” Díaz said. “He told me they are a really good organization. They treat every player the same. That was something I was looking for, and it made it easy for me.”
The Dodgers believe Díaz’s presence immediately elevates an already deep bullpen, both on and off the field.
“Adding an elite closer makes any bullpen better,” the organization said. “But beyond the talent, everything we’ve heard is that he’s an incredible human being. He works hard, mentors younger guys, and sets great habits. That positivity makes everyone around him better.”
Díaz understands the responsibility that comes with closing games, calling the final three outs the most difficult in baseball.
“Being in the ninth inning is a big responsibility,” Díaz said. “Those are the toughest three outs in the game. I take it easy. I don’t think too much. If I do my job, we’re in a good position. If I don’t, we’re in trouble.”
That mindset, he said, has allowed him to stay consistent throughout his career.
“Every time I pitch, I think I will win,” Díaz said. “If I don’t have a good result, I flush it right away. The next day, I’m ready to go again.”
Díaz will wear No. 3 with the Dodgers, a choice rooted in family.
“I talked to my wife,” Díaz said. “We have three kids, so that’s the reason I picked number 3 — because of my three sons.”
Fans can also expect a familiar entrance at Dodger Stadium. Díaz confirmed he plans to keep his iconic trumpet walkout music.
“That music will get the fans into the game right away,” Díaz said. “I can’t wait for the first game of the season, coming in at night with the trumpets and feeling that energy.”
While the Dodgers have often used a committee approach late in games, they made it clear that Díaz represents a rare exception.
“For us, there’s a very high bar to name someone the closer,” the team said. “You have to be elite. You have to dominate. Edwin checks all those boxes.”
As Díaz begins this next chapter in Los Angeles, both sides made one thing clear during the presser: the fit feels right, the expectations are high, and the goal is simple.
“I’m here to win,” Díaz said.