IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
(Queens, NY) – Somebody (mercifully) put a sock in that obnoxious trumpet. The tune that accompanies high-priced relief pitcher Edwin Diaz has made its way to LA — along with his right arm. But it turns out the Mets’ breakup could have been even more messy, because the Atlanta Braves offered him a five-year contract.
The Mets ultimately offered Diaz a three-year deal worth $66 million. They eventually included a $9 million dollar signing bonus to match the Dodgers offer — as LA was able to sway Diaz to sign with them for three years and $69 million. Apparently the amount of deferred money was a sticking point, as the Mets had around $21 million in deferred salary as part of their deal. At first, that money would be deferred for 15 years. The Mets then agreed to defer it for just 10 years.
To be clear — the Mets’ signing bonus of $9 million meant their contract offer was equal to the Dodgers offer. But because of the deferred figure, the average annual value was higher in the LA offer. Apparently that would have bruised Diaz’ ego — because taxes are higher in California — so the Mets offer was actually higher in terms of real money value.
But Diaz — never a paragon of toughness and grit — chose the Dodgers because he feels that’s an easy pathway to a ring. He talked about the Dodgers’ record of winning at his press conference. So, he couldn’t cut it in New York in a bid to become a champion, and he cut town.
Oh well. I’m sure Diaz will be “well remembered” as yet another right arm in the Dodgers bullpen.
