With the Toronto Blue Jays falling one game short of the Commissioner’s Trophy, they are looking to improve their bullpen and make another deep run next season. However, this pursuit may need to be accelerated, as the champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, are planning a hijack.

Toronto has been closing in on New York Mets star Edwin Diaz. The Blue Jays’ leadership met up with agents during this week’s GM Meetings, as reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. But now, with the Dodgers also eyeing bullpen reinforcements, ESPN‘s Jeff Passan believes they should “sign free agent closer Edwin Diaz,” putting extra pressure on GM Ross Atkins. 

Though the World Series runner-ups are targeting Colombian reliever Raisel Iglesias, as per Francys Romero, who had an incredible 2024-25 season with the Atlanta Braves, the Blue Jays mustn’t hold back their efforts behind the $102M Met as he emerges as the better fit.

The Blue Jays’ keen interest in Iglesias is taking us back to the 2023 winter.

They were so close to signing the two-way Japanese phenom, yet the Los Angeles Dodgers ended up signing up. But why the comparison?

Because reportedly, LA is the only other team publicly connected to sign the Cuban.

The 35-year-old recorded 2.35 ERA, 97 saves, and a 0.94 WHIP across 222 appearances. And in the final four months of the season, he recorded a 1.96 ERA with a 29.3% strikeout rate. While Iglesias may seem a little less flashy for Toronto, signing him will allow the team to use Jeff Hoffman as a multi-inning leverage arm.

Unlike Diaz, the three-time All-Star struck 98 batters in 66.1 innings, and with a WHIP under 1.00. Making him an elite option who brings higher upside.

Now, the ball remains in Toronto’s court with two tantalizing options available; they must quickly choose between the reliable value of Raisel Iglesias and the championship-defining dominance of Edwin Díaz. Especially knowing any misstep could lead to losing the market’s premier closer.

But another factor to consider here is the predicted amount for Iglesias. He could command a $13M annual salary, and his contract could run for two years. Meanwhile, Diaz is expected to sign a 4-year, $82M deal.

Now, with the MLB free agency frenzy in full effect, the 31-year-old Puerto Rican reacted to the various reports about his next move.

Beyond Blue Jays: How has Edwin Diaz reacted to free agency reports?

After joining the New York Mets in 2019, Edwin Diaz has had a dramatic journey. Starting with a disappointing first season, the 31-year-old delivered a stretch of incredible performance, making him one of the best closers in the league.

Highlighting this journey, Diaz reiterated that he would “love” to remain a New Mets player.

“I love New York. I would love to stay in New York, but if I have to go another place, I would be happy,” Diaz told reporters at the MLB Awards. “I want to win a ring, so wherever I go, I want to win a ring and enjoy the time. I like the organization. You know, if they came with the best deal for me, I’d enjoy to stay with them, but at the end of the day, I don’t know what they’re thinking.”

Though Díaz reconfirmed his interest in staying in New York, he prioritized winning. Plus, he will definitely consider the amounts agreed by teams. So, only time can confirm where he lands.