Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz is entering the 2026 season ranked among the elite relief pitchers in Major League Baseball. The right-hander secured the No. 3 spot in MLB Network’s “The Shredder” rankings, a composite ranking that considers both traditional and advanced statistics, as well as analysis from the network’s research team. This marks a return to prominence for Díaz, who previously appeared on the list in 2024, finishing at No. 6.
The recognition comes after a dominant 2025 season with the New York Mets, where Díaz established himself as one of the game’s most reliable closers. He recorded 28 saves, posting a stellar 1.63 ERA and striking out 98 batters across 66.1 innings pitched. His performance earned him a third career All-Star selection and the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year award – his second time receiving the honor. The strong showing has translated into high expectations as he transitions to the Dodgers, a team eager to bolster its late-game options.
Díaz’s ranking wasn’t solely determined by “The Shredder.” MLB Network host Brian Kenny included him at No. 5 on his personal list, even as analyst Mike Petriello placed him at No. 4. The consensus among these baseball experts underscores the significant impact Díaz is projected to have in the upcoming season. Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman topped “The Shredder’s” list, followed by Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres.
A Return to the Top Tier
The Dodgers signed Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract, which includes over $13 million in deferrals and a $9 million signing bonus. The average annual value of $23 million represents the highest ever for a relief pitcher in MLB history, reflecting the team’s confidence in his ability to anchor their bullpen. He’s poised to become the Dodgers’ first dedicated closer since Kenley Jansen departed after the 2021 season.
The Dodgers have seen recent representation in “The Shredder’s” top-10 rankings. Evan Phillips was ranked fourth in 2024. Prior to joining the Dodgers, both Tanner Scott (No. 7) and Kirby Yates (No. 8) were included in the rankings in the previous year. Blake Treinen narrowly missed the cut in 2025, according to DodgerBlue.com.
Díaz’s Approach to Closing
Díaz has spoken about the responsibility he feels when entering a game in the ninth inning. “Pitching in the ninth is a substantial responsibility because the ball is in your hand for the last three outs of the game,” he said during his introductory press conference with the Dodgers. He emphasizes a focused, pitch-by-pitch approach, avoiding the pressure of thinking about completing the inning. “I experience they are the toughest three outs of a game. Personally, I take it nice and easy. As the last guy, I always go batter-by-batter, pitch-by-pitch. I don’t think much about completing the inning, because a lot of things can happen in one inning.”
This mindset, he believes, is key to his success. “So personally, I like to take it easy and make pitches. At the end of the day, if I receive my job done, the team will be in a good position. If I don’t get my job done, we are in trouble. So every time I have the chance to pitch, I always think I will win. That’s how I take it.” He also highlights the importance of mental resilience, quickly moving past any setbacks. “If I don’t have a good result that night, I flush it right away and the next day I come ready to go again. That’s how I think I’ve been able to perform. Whatever happens on the mound that day, even if it’s good, or if it’s bad, I just flush it right away and come the next day ready to go again.”
The Top 10 Relief Pitchers for 2026 – According to “The Shredder”
| Rank | The Shredder | Mike Petriello |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aroldis Chapman (Red Sox) | Mason Miller (Padres) |
| 2 | Mason Miller (Padres) | Jhoan Duran (Phillies) |
| 3 | Edwin Díaz (Dodgers) | Cade Smith (Guardians) |
| 4 | Cade Smith (Guardians) | Edwin Díaz (Dodgers) |
| 5 | Andrés Muñoz (Mariners) | Josh Hader (Astros) |
| 6 | Garrett Whitlock (Red Sox) | Aroldis Chapman (Red Sox) |
| 7 | Matt Strahm (Royals) | Andrés Muñoz (Mariners) |
| 8 | Adrian Morejon (Padres) | Griffin Jax (Rays) |
| 9 | Josh Hader (Astros) | Devin Williams (Mets) |
| 10 | Jason Adam (Padres) | Grant Taylor (White Sox) |
As the Dodgers prepare for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on Díaz to observe if he can live up to the expectations set by these rankings and his impressive track record. The team’s success will likely hinge, in part, on his ability to consistently deliver in high-pressure situations. The Dodgers’ next spring training games, scheduled to begin in February, will offer an early glimpse into Díaz’s form and integration into the team’s pitching staff.
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