3 pitchers who could replace Alexis Díaz if the Reds surprisingly trade their closer

Whether the Cincinnati Reds will be buyers or sellers this offseason is up for debate, but one name that has flown around the trade market over the past few years could reappear: Alexis Díaz.

The Reds closer’s fall from grace has turned into a nosedive. Even his superlative final month, during which he allowed just two hits and three walks in nine appearances, may not save Díaz from the trade block. Luckily, Cincinnati has a number of replacements waiting in the wings.

If the Reds part ways with Alexis Díaz, several internal options could step in as closer

Graham Ashcraft, Reds pitcher

Perhaps the most likely internal choice is erstwhile starter Graham Ashcraft. Once a prized prospect, he never quite settled in at big league level. His struggles in 2024 earned him a ticket back to Triple-A, an experience that did little to change Ashcraft’s trajectory as he made just three underwhelming starts (6.00 ERA and .791 opponents’ OPS). He then landed on the IL with an elbow strain.

Shortly thereafter, rumors of a move to the bullpen began to swirl around Ashcraft. The last time he appeared in a game as a reliever he was a redshirt sophomore at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. His final six college appearances came from the bullpen, and he allowed 12 earned runs in 6 ⅔ innings. Not exactly inspiring stuff.

Some signs point to Ashcraft being a successful reliever now. He is at his best on fewer days of rest, posting a 4.18 ERA on four days’ rest as opposed to a 5.43 ERA on five or more days’ rest. Secondly, Ashcraft is significantly more effective in high-and medium-leverage situations. These conditions do not entirely replicate a relief role but could be indicators of a measure of success.

Zach Maxwell, Reds pitcher

The Reds also have a couple of options in the farm system. An imposing presence on the mound at 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Zach Maxwell is just one step away from the majors and could push his way into the bullpen picture with a strong spring. 

The big man boasts high heat and a plus-slider, but his control has been his Achilles heel. Maxwell may have sorted that out at Triple-A Louisville, as he walked just nine batters and recorded a 65% strike rate over his final 18 games.

Luis Mey, Reds pitcher

Luis Mey, who turned heads as the AFL’s best reliever this fall, could also have an outside chance of getting some work in the bigs this year. The performance in Arizona understandably convinced the Reds to protect Mey by putting him on the 40-man roster. That gives him a clearer path to the majors than Maxwell, who has not yet joined the 40-man.

Mey, though, has only reached Double-A, and his experience in Chattanooga wasn’t the rosiest. In 19 appearances, he posted a 1.615 WHIP. Like Maxwell, he struggles with control and had a 7 BB/9 across two levels last season. Mey also comes with the risk of injury. He has never thrown more than 60 innings in a year and missed much of 2023 with elbow inflammation.

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