Reds' faith in Alexis Díaz backfired in the worst way

The Cincinnati Reds had multiple opportunities to trade Alexis Diaz in the past, but each time decided to stick to their guns and hold onto their closer. After sending the right-hander back to Triple-A Louisville following a brutal start to the 2025 season, the Reds have effectively tanked Diaz's trade value.

At this point, Cincinnati would be lucky to receive a player to be named later (PTBNL). Diaz is sporting a 12.00 ERA with only three strikeouts in six innings pitched in the big leagues this season. Reds manager Terry Francona spoke about the need for Diaz to learn how to be more consistent, and he'll get his chance to do that in the minor leagues.

Even if Diaz figures it out, he'll never be reinserted into the closer's role. Emilio Pagán has a stranglehold on that spot at the moment, though Graham Ashcraft could claim that title sometime later this summer. The Reds also have recently-promoted fireballer Luis Mey and the hard-throwing right-hander Zach Maxwell; both of whom are chomping at the bit to prove their worth on the biggest stage. In short, Diaz's trade value is in the toilet.

Reds' faith in Alexis Díaz backfired in the worst way

It's not as if the Reds are (or ever were) shopping Diaz. After a successful rookie season in 2022, every New York Mets fan wanted Alexis to join his brother Edwin Diaz in the Big Apple. There were rumors of a potential deal, but nothing ever materialized. Reds should've taken them up on that offer.

Given Diaz's production at the time, and the heartwarming narrative created by the brothers reuniting in the Mets' bullpen, it's possible that Cincinnati could've pried away New York's breakout infielder Mark Vientos or secured an even bigger trade package. Now, that ship has sailed.

It's not as if Diaz didn't have command issues in the minor leagues before being added to the Reds 40-man roster. While his strikeout numbers were phenomenal, Diaz was walking 4.25 batters per nine innings pitched during his minor league season in 2021. He also skipped over Triple-A and joined the Reds roster from the outset during the team's rebuild in 2022.

Diaz had a tremendous stretch prior to being named to the All-Star team in 2023. The right-hander owned a 2.03 ERA with a 37.4% strikeout rate while converting 26-of-27 saves before the Midsummer Classic that year.

But since that time, Diaz has posted a 4.72 ERA and has just 83 punch outs in 96 games while walking over five batters per nine innings pitched. Those stats, coupled with his lack of confidence, make Diaz virtually un-tradable at this point. If Diaz does return to form during his time at Triple-A, Cincinnati should just cut their losses and get whatever they can on the trade market.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors