The 2026 World Series is set to be a thrilling affair, and one player who is eager to make his mark is Edwin Diaz. With a vision of throwing the final out, Diaz is determined to etch his name in baseball history. But here's where it gets controversial... Is it possible for a closer to be the one to record the final out of the World Series? Let's explore this intriguing possibility and the factors that could influence Diaz's role in the upcoming championship.
As a seasoned closer, Diaz has already made his mark in the Dodgers' recent championships. In the past six years, the final outs of the World Series have been recorded by starting pitchers, a tradition Diaz aspires to continue. With his new three-year, $69-million contract, Diaz is poised to become the Dodgers' most established ninth-inning specialist since Kenley Jansen. This move not only strengthens the team's bullpen but also provides Diaz with a unique opportunity to share the distinction of recording the final out with starting pitchers like Julio Urias, Walker Buehler, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
However, the dynamics of the bullpen can be complex. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledges that managing a bullpen is an art, and having a reliable closer like Diaz can free up other relievers for strategic matchups. For instance, left-handed relievers like Tanner Scott can be unleashed against opponents' best left-handed hitters. This strategic deployment of resources can make all the difference in high-leverage situations.
The Dodgers' bullpen has faced challenges in the past, with injuries to starting pitchers leading to overused relievers. The emergence of Roki Sasaki as a closer and the heroics of Yamamoto saved the team from potential disaster. With Diaz on board, the Dodgers are hopeful that the bullpen's performance will improve, thanks to the recovery of key players like Scott and Blake Treinen, and the return of Evan Phillips, Brock Stewart, and Brusdar Graterol from surgeries.
Diaz himself is eager to contribute to the team's success. He believes that if he does his job, the team will be in a strong position to win another championship. From Roberts' perspective, Diaz's presence as a reliable closer allows for more strategic deployment of the bullpen, especially in the postseason, where matchups can dictate roles. Diaz agrees, stating that in the postseason, there are no defined roles, as the manager will adapt to any situation to win the game.
While Diaz acknowledges the special significance of pitching the final out of the final game, he remains focused on the team's overall success. Whether he records the final out or not, Diaz is determined to make his mark in the 2026 World Series, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of Dodgers fans.
