Edwin Diaz
About the speaker
Edwin Díaz set a Seattle Mariners franchise record shortly after his Major League Baseball debut by recording 11 consecutive outs via strikeout, surpassing Hall of Famer Randy Johnson’s previous record. Known for his electrifying presence on the mound, Edwin quickly became the Mariners’ closer, finishing... More
Edwin Díaz set a Seattle Mariners franchise record shortly after his Major League Baseball debut by recording 11 consecutive outs via strikeout, surpassing Hall of Famer Randy Johnson’s previous record. Known for his electrifying presence on the mound, Edwin quickly became the Mariners’ closer, finishing fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2016. His meteoric rise continued as he earned his first All-Star selection and won the American League Reliever of the Year Award in 2018, leading the league with 57 saves.
Traded to the New York Mets in 2019, Edwin continued to dominate, earning two more All-Star selections and twice winning the National League Reliever of the Year Award in 2022 and 2025. His prowess was further recognized with two selections to the All-MLB Team those same years. His consistent excellence is reflected in his record of leading the league in Reliever of the Month honors.
On the international stage, Edwin has represented Puerto Rico with distinction in the World Baseball Classic, securing a silver medal in 2017. His standout performances include critical saves against powerhouse teams, such as the Dominican Republic and the United States, and contributing to Puerto Rico’s dramatic extra-inning win over the Netherlands in the semifinals. Although an injury during the 2023 WBC celebration sidelined him from MLB for that season, Edwin returned to form, delivering a spotless performance in the 2026 WBC.
Beyond the diamond, Edwin, affectionately known as “Sugar,” contributes to his community through the Edwin Díaz Baseball Academy in his hometown of Daguao, Puerto Rico. His commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in the clinics he organizes, attended by MLB peers like Robinson Canó and Martín Maldonado. Edwin’s legacy is further enriched by family ties, with his younger brother, Alexis Díaz, also making his mark in the MLB.
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