Braves hand former Reds All-Star one more lifeline after repeated failures

Alexis Díaz has had a season to forget. After numerous early-season struggles that included a demotion to Triple-A, the former Cincinnati Reds closer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers back in May. But even the Dodgers couldn't help Díaz regain his All-Star form and designated the right-hander for assignment last week. On Sunday, the Atlanta Braves threw Díaz a lifeline after claiming him off waivers from LA.

Díaz got off to a slow start with the Reds this past spring. The 28-year-old was slowed by an injury and began his 2025 campaign on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville. He made his season debut on April 15 and walked two batters in his first in-game action against the Seattle Mariners.

Díaz totaled just six Major League appearances with the Reds this season before being optioned to Triple-A Louisville in early-May. The righty posted an unsightly 12.00 ERA and had more walks (5) than strikeouts (3).

Braves hand former Reds All-Star Alexis Diaz one more lifeline after failing with the Dodgers

The Reds traded Díaz to Los Angeles for pennies on the dollar. Cincinnati received right-handed prospect Mike Villani, a 14th-round draft pick back in 2024, in exchange for Díaz. The Dodgers' front office still believed in his stuff, and thought that their pitching development staff could help Díaz return to the player he was back in 2023.

Sadly, that was not the case, and his tenure with LA revealed more of the same mistakes that saw him kicked out of the Queen City. Though his numbers improved during his time on West Coast, Díaz still owned a 5.00 ERA in nine innings of work, and the Dodgers obviously felt like keeping him around for their postseason push wasn't worth the hassle.

Now the Braves will try their hand at reshaping Díaz into a serviceable Major League reliever. Atlanta has another former Reds closer on their current pitching staff in Raisel Iglesias, and also picked up former Cincinnati outfielder Jake Fraley after he was DFA'd last month.

Díaz was the talk of the town during his rookie season in Cincy, but like so many who've come before him, the right-hander is learning that getting to the big leagues is one thing, but staying is something different entirely. Perhaps the third time is charm for Díaz.

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