Major Blow: Cincinnati
In 2025, the Cincinnati Reds will pay $4.5 million to acquire Alexis Díaz back. After an uncertain 2024 season, the Reds closer agreed to a one-year contract with Cincinnati, avoiding arbitration.
Last season, Díaz pitched a career-low 56 ⅓ innings and finished 2-4 with a 3.99 ERA. Even yet, Díaz managed to record a remarkable 28 saves, but in 2024, the right-hander struggled greatly with walks. Díaz recorded career highs in WHIP (1.296) and FIP (4.57), while allowing 31 free passes to just 55 punch outs.
Alexis Díaz and the Reds escape arbitration after a dismal 2024 season.
Díaz had never gone through the arbitration procedure before. The $4.5 million amount is only $300K more than MLB Trade Rumors had predicted earlier this offseason, and fortunately, the two parties avoided the chaos that may occur when an arbitrator is called upon.
In 2025, Díaz will undoubtedly play closer once more, but Terry Francona, the Reds’ new manager, could employ the right-hander somewhat differently than former captain David Bell did. While the majority of Díaz’s appearances were in the ninth inning or later, he did make two appearances in the seven inning and nine in the eighth last season. In 2024, the 28-year-old entered eight times with runners on base and had three appearances in multiple innings.
Source: Alexis Diaz avoids arbitration after agreeing to a $4.5 million deal with the Reds.
— @GDubMLB Gordon Wittenmyer 9 January 2025
Earlier this summer, the Reds traded Fernando Cruz to the New York Yankees to acquire catcher Jose Trevino, which hurt the team’s bullpen. Cruz was sent to the Bronx as part of the exchange because Cincinnati needed a backup for starter catcher Tyler Stephenson.
Along with Emilio Pagán, Sam Moll, and Brent Suter, Díaz is currently one of the four pitchers that will undoubtedly be a member of the Reds relief corps in 2025. A variety of bullpen pitchers, including Tony Santillan, Casey Legumina, and maybe even Graham Ashcraft, might occupy the final four positions.
ow Agree Deal To Bring In Another Coach To Replace Terry Francona
Leave a Reply