Failed Dodgers bullpen arm lands with Rangers after leaving lasting legacy in LA

The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series last season, but it was not before their season-long quest to address injuries and the ineffectiveness of the relievers in their bullpen to start the year. That quest led to them offering a change of scenery for former Cincinnati Reds All-Star and brother to their new closer, Alexis Díaz.

It didn't exactly work out the way the Dodgers were hoping. Díaz gave up five runs on seven hits in nine appearances out of Los Angeles' bullpen. Dodgers fans quickly found out what the Reds knew when they traded him, and that is that Díaz was no longer the high-leverage arm he was when he debuted in Cincinnati in 2022.

Díaz finished the 2025 season with the Atlanta Braves, and while there was no scenario where the Dodgers were going to consider a reunion this offseason, he actually may have been a key influence in their biggest offseason move to date.

Before Edwin Díaz signed on the dotted line with the Dodgers last week at the Winter Meetings, he went to his brother for some advice on the organization he was about to join. Despite his struggles, Alexis had nothing but great things to say about the Dodgers, offering high praise for the team's coaching staff and infrastructure.

Despite a failed run with the Dodgers, Alexis Díaz's time in Los Angeles proved to have a lasting influence

The $69 million also played the largest part in Edwin choosing LA, but the experience his brother had certainly was the cherry on top for his recruitment. It's certainly possible he would've just stayed with the Mets for similar money if his brother urged him against going to the Dodgers.

As for Alexis, his shot at reviving his major league career will now take place with the Texas Rangers. ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the younger Díaz is inking a one-year deal with Texas and should have an extended runway in their bullpen next season. Losing both Phil Maton and Hoby Milner this offseason, the Rangers needed a bullpen restructure, and they're hoping a revived Díaz could help with that process.

Meanwhile, for the Dodgers, now having the former Mets All-Star closer as the anchor in their bullpen, the hope is that next season isn't such an exhaustive process for Dave Roberts and Co. to get to the end of games with the lead in hand.