The Dodgers didn't need a big splash.They did one anyway with Edwin Diaz.|fox sports

Even when they do not intend to spend aggressively, the Dodgers' financial limitations are endless in summarizing their few weaknesses.

The Dodgers didn't need a big splash.They did something with Edwin Díaz.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Dodgers have always been dominated.

A year after their exorbitant bullpen spending backfired, forcing them to use a series of starters in relief en route to their second World Series title, the champions are spending at the top of the bullpen market to address their biggest weaknesses.

After playing down the need to make a splash this winter, the Dodgers made one on Tuesday in the latest example of their financial strength, prying three-time All-Star Edwin Diaz away from the Mets in a three-year, $69 million deal that gave them the top spot in the market for a second straight winter.

"We are now financially sound, and our ownership group is excited to invest in our team and our partnership with fans," Dodgers president Andrei Friedman said at the Molb Winter Meetings.

There were scenarios, Friedman said, in which the Dodgers did not land a peak releves of the offsezon.They are searched for shorter-term deals more in accordance with how they built their bullpen in the previous seasons before signing tanner Scotts of the four-year contract of $ 72 million last offseason.

The event's first year was a disaster.

Scott posted a 4.74 ERA and did not throw a single pitcher in his postseason.By getting creative with their starters, they still won in October, but the bullpen has emerged as the Dodgers' brightest spot this winter.

They didn't want to make another long-term commitment to a position that was likely to be stable, and they were going to choose based on what they had.With Devin Willings leaving the Mets, Ryan Helsley returning to the Sorioles, and Raisel Iglesias returning to the Browns, this option began to rapidly dwindle.

To the surprise of many people, especially after Diaz came out of the last two years of the five-year record, a $ 102 million contract that he acquired with one of the best teams in baseball without reaching the fourth or fifth.It certainly didn't hurt that Edwin's brother, Alexis Diaz, pitched for the Dodgers last season, and he passed a review of the team's ability to contact them.did

"Obviously, our performance last year was well below expectations," Friedman said."It was still a surprise for us on many occasions. We felt like the team we are returning will be good and the pen will be strong. That said, always add."

In a stunning move, the Dodgers moved closer to the top of one of the only teams capable of challenging their economic power.While the Mets are now trying to save their season, the Dodgers are apparently backing away from the huge tax payments or penalties that come with signing a player with a qualifying offer.They will lose their second and fifth picks in 2026, plus a $1 million international contract bonus.With Diaz, whose contract would be a record reliever for average annual value.

However, you may not be able to place higher bids on free markets or through businesses.

When you are the first team in 25 years to repeat as World Series champions, when you enjoy the financial benefits that come with employing the most popular international players in the sport, when you have the most robust farm system in the sport and are trying to maximize the dynasty window, you can push the envelope further than expected.

“We will do everything we can to put ourselves in the best position to win a World Series,” Friedman reiterated.

Signing Diaz, who gives them a definitive answer in the ninth inning after last season's bullpen calamity, brings them one step closer to that goal and serves as a reminder that even if they don't plan to spend aggressively, the Dodgers' financial limits are limitless.

They are always lurking, ready to attack.

Additional Dodgers notes from the winter meetings:

-General manager Brandon Gomes said he "feels unlikely" the Dodgers would trade the MLB roster to acquire talent.Specifically, Teoscar Hernández, whose name has come up in trade speculation: "This is definitely not something we expected."

- The manager Dave Roberts believes that last year was a "strong year" for Scott, and he said that the rebound faced physical problems: "He never felt good.

- The Dodgers are also counting on Mookie Betts, who will return to shortstop in 2026, to rebound at the plate.After losing weight early last season due to illness and enduring the rigors of bunting full-time, the Dodgers believe his bat will return to form and his swing will be wider.

- On keeping Kiké Hornández: "We have never closed the door on Kiké," Flied said: "Friedman says:

- Tommy Edman may be delayed for the start of the spring after undergoing ankle surgery, but he is expected to be ready for the start of the season.The Dodgers can now turn their attention to strengthening the outfield.

Rowan Kavner is an MLB writer for Fox Sports. He covered the La Dodger, La clippers and Dallas Cowboys.lsu born, Savan was born in Texas, and returned to the West Coast @wankvorner.

Want the best stories delivered straight to your inbox?Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive your personalized newsletter every day!