LOS ANGELES – It’s official: the energetic tune “Narco,” known for its trumpets and popularized by closer Edwin Diaz, will be played at Dodger Stadium. “When I hear those trumpets here, it’s going to be really emotional,” Diaz said at his press conference after signing a three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
At 31, Diaz has spent the last seven years closing games for the New York Mets. His exciting entrance music made him a fan favorite. However, after a tough end to the 2025 season for the Mets, Diaz opted out of his remaining contract. This opened the door for the Dodgers, who were eager to solidify their bullpen with a top talent.
“This wasn’t easy,” Diaz shared about leaving New York. “They treated me well. But I chose the Dodgers because they prioritize winning. This is a team ready to compete.”
In 2025, the Dodgers became the first team in 25 years to win back-to-back championships, despite struggling with their bullpen. They had a 4.27 ERA and blew 27 saves, which were the third-most in the league. Many analysts believe that without starting pitchers stepping up in the bullpen, the Dodgers might not have made it through the playoffs.
Diaz is set to change that. He recorded 235 saves since 2017, ranking third in the majors. He missed the entire 2023 season due to a knee injury but made a strong comeback in 2025. With a 1.63 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 66⅓ innings, he converted 28 of 31 save opportunities and earned All-Star honors.
Dodgers president Andrew Friedman spoke highly of Diaz, saying, “To have someone like ‘Sugar’ is a game-changer. He’s elite and can be a key player for us.”
Interestingly, Diaz’s decision was influenced by personal connections. His brother Alexis played for the Dodgers, and he also reached out to teammate Enrique Hernandez, who is expected to return in 2026. Diaz will change his number from 39 to 3, as 39 is retired in honor of Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella. “Three represents my three kids,” he said, beaming about his family, who were present at the conference.
The Dodgers have been active in upgrading their roster. They previously added stars like Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow, showing their commitment to staying competitive. With Diaz on board, they aim for a three-peat championship season.
As the conversation around player movements heats up, many fans are turning to social media to share their thoughts. Tweets and posts are filled with excitement about the potential impact of Diaz joining the Dodgers. Numbers support this enthusiasm; a recent survey found that 75% of fans believe that a strong closer significantly improves a team’s chance at winning. The Dodgers’ fans are primed for a thrilling season ahead.
In the world of sports, strong bullpens are crucial. A report by MLB.com highlights that teams with effective closers often see increased win rates. The Dodgers hope Díaz’s presence will enhance their chances, showcasing that strategic player moves can change the dynamics of a team.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how Diaz and the Dodgers perform. The excitement is palpable, and fans are ready for the trumpets to sound their way to victory!
