Edwin Diaz Sends Message to Shohei Ohtani Ahead of Dodgers Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 19, 2026 4:13 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered their two biggest weaknesses in MLB free agency this year, the bullpen and the outfield, by adding closing pitcher Edwin Diaz and outfielder Kyle Tucker.

While Tucker drew the bigger headlines, Diaz has a chance to make just as significant an impact in the ninth inning. The 31‑year‑old anchored the New York Mets’ bullpen in 2025, collecting 28 saves and posting a 1.63 ERA with a 6‑3 record across 62 appearances.

He struck out 98 hitters in just 66 1/3 innings, reaffirming his status as arguably the best closer in baseball. The Dodgers signed him to a three‑year, $69 million contract in December, the highest average annual value ever for a reliever.

One of the biggest reasons the Dodgers could afford such a deal is Shohei Ohtani’s heavily deferred contract.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter/pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17)Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ohtani structured his deal specifically to give the front office financial flexibility to add elite talent around him, players like Diaz who can help maximize the organization’s championship window.

So far, the strategy has worked to perfection, with Los Angeles winning back‑to‑back World Series titles during Ohtani’s first two seasons in Dodger blue.

Ohtani is clearly pleased with his newest teammate. Both players are in spring training as Ohtani works toward returning to full strength as a starting pitcher this season. Earlier this week, Ohtani reposted a photo of the two together on Instagram and tagged Diaz.

Diaz then reposted the image with a message that read, “Shoeiiiiiii.” The two have faced each other before, and Ohtani is certainly grateful he no longer has to step into the box against him. He is 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in his career against Diaz.

Edwin Diaz reposts a graphic of himself and Shohei Ohtani on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/Dld5hMEzwQ
— MLB Roundtable (@RoundtableMLB) February 19, 2026

If all goes according to plan, Ohtani will be back on the mound by Opening Day, handing games off to Diaz to finish. In a limited workload last season after returning from Tommy John surgery, Ohtani made 14 starts and posted a 2.87 ERA, a 1.043 WHIP and 62 strikeouts in 47 innings.

With Diaz now anchoring the ninth inning, the Dodgers’ path to a third straight championship becomes even more realistic. His presence shortens games, stabilizes the bullpen and gives Los Angeles the type of late‑inning weapon that can swing an entire postseason.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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