Once trusted Reds All-Star gets fresh start with Rangers after 2025 collapse

Former Cincinnati Reds reliever Alexis Diaz had a forgettable performance in 2025. After beginning the year on the IL, Diaz lost his job as the Reds closer and was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Unable to stick in LA, Diaz was let go in September and then plucked off waivers by the Atlanta Braves. The former All-Star didn't last long in Atlanta either, and was jettisoned once the offseason began.

But Diaz found a new home on Friday after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers. The deal is reported to be worth less than $2 million and will give Diaz a chance to bounce back following the worst season of his career.

Former Reds All-Star Alexis Diaz signs one-year deal with Rangers

Diaz entered spring training with a lingering hamstring issue that kept him off the Reds Opening Day roster. In his stead, Ian Gibaut took the ball in the ninth inning on Opening Day, but after a horrendous performance that ended in a loss, manager Terry Francona decided to hand closer duties to Emilio Pagán while Diaz was nursing his injury.

Diaz began a rehab assignment in early-April, but never looked like himself. Still, the Reds hoping he just needed to knock the rust off, activated Diaz about 10 days later only to see that his control and command were nowhere near what they'd hoped. After two weeks back in the bigs, Diaz was optioned to Triple-A.

The Reds were hoping a tune up in the minors would help Diaz correct those issues that had plagued him during the early going, but after seeing absolutely zero improvement, he was traded to the Dodgers for right-handed pitching prospect Mike Villani. LA's attempt to straighten him out fell flat, and after being yo-yo'd between the majors and Triple-A, Diaz was designated for assignment during the final month of the season.

The Braves tried their hand at reshaping the once-promising Reds closer, but they saw enough after barely three weeks and he was outrighted to Triple-A and eventually chose to enter free agency. Now with the Rangers, Diaz will attempt to rehab his image and return to his All-Star form. He ended the year with an alarming 8.15 ERA over 17⅔ innings pitched.