Dodgers facing nightmare playoff decision over Edwin Díaz as October looms

Edwin Díaz has gone from being one of the Los Angeles Dodgers ' biggest offseason investments to one of their biggest question marks heading into the postseason. Despite signing a $69 million contract before the 2026 season , the veteran closer could be left off the Dodgers' playoff roster — and that would be far more than just disappointing news.

The organization's priority is simple: bring its 26 best players into October , regardless of salary or reputation. Right now, Díaz's outlook isn't encouraging. Injuries have limited him to just 16 appearances , and he owns a troubling 11.85 ERA , nowhere near the level expected after landing his massive deal.

Dodgers won't guarantee Edwin Díaz a playoff spot

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal revealed that the Dodgers are seriously considering leaving the Puerto Rican reliever off the postseason roster if he can't prove he's one of their best pitching options.

"If you're the Dodgers, you're going to take your 26 best and they have talked at various points about how they feel this year's pitching staff, one to 13, whatever it might be in the postseason, one to 12, will be the strongest they've ever taken into October," MLB insider Ken Rosenthal said during an appearance on Foul Territory .

Rosenthal summed up the Dodgers' mindset even more bluntly:

"This is a win-at-all-costs kind of industry here."

The idea of a three-time All-Star closer — and one of the highest-paid relievers in baseball — being left off a playoff roster would have seemed unthinkable just a few months ago. But injuries and poor performance have completely changed the conversation.

Still, the door isn't closed. Rosenthal believes Díaz still has time to rediscover his best form and convince the Dodgers he deserves a spot on the October roster.

For now, Los Angeles is keeping its options open on what could become one of the most surprising roster decisions of the postseason.