LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers got the best closer on the free agent market Tuesday, reaching a three-year, $69 million deal with former Mets reliever Edwin Diaz, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan and Jorge Castillo on Tuesday.

The deal by the Dodgers, who were targeting bullpen help this winter, set a new average annual value record for a relief pitcher.

Diaz, 31, opted out of the two-year, $38 million guarantee that remained on the five-year deal he signed to remain with the Mets in 2022. The contract was considered a rare five-year commitment to a relief pitcher, but it ended after three seasons once Diaz decided to test the open market.

Diaz was tendered a $22.025 million qualifying offer by the Mets, which he declined by the Nov. 18 deadline. Because he signed with a new team, New Yor

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