Dodgers Surpass Absurd Milestone After Edwin Diaz Deal: Report

Even after winning back-to-back World Series championships, the Los Angeles Dodgers still made one of the biggest splashes in free agency amid a busy offseason.

The Dodgers announced last week that they had poached three-time All-Star closer Edwin Díaz from the New York Mets in free agency, signing the 31-year-old to a three-year, $69 million contract. Much like some of the other massive contracts Los Angeles has dished out the past few seasons, Díaz’s contract includes deferred payments that will continue until 2047.

With Díaz’s contract on the books, the Dodgers have surpassed a historic milestone, owing over $1 billion in deferred payments to nine players, as reported by ESPN.

“Edwin Díaz won’t receive all of his $69 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers until 2047, with the closer’s deal raising deferred payment obligations for the two-time World Series champions to more than a billion dollars due to nine players. The Dodgers are now on the hook for $1,064,500,000 through 2047, owed to Díaz, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Blake Snell, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Tommy Edman, Tanner Scott and Teoscar Hernández.

“The Dodgers’ high point due in a year is $102.3 million in 2038 and in 2039. The bulk of the Dodgers’ deferred money is owed to Ohtani, who will receive $680 million in payments from 2034 to 2043. Betts is next, with $115 million in salaries from 2033 to 2044 and the final $5 million of his signing bonus payable 2033-35.”

The Dodgers have consistently been one of the biggest spenders in the league, but the team’s use of deferring contract payments has sparked controversy as it has managed to acquire top free agents by offering more money long-term. Even after signing Díaz, the Dodgers reportedly remain in the running to sign superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker as well.

Despite backlash, Los Angeles’ willingness to spend big has payed off, as the Dodgers became the first team in nearly 25 years to win back-to-back World Series titles and will look to compete for a third straight next season.

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