Terry Francona's comments reveal severe lack of confidence in Reds' 2023 All-Star

The Cincinnati Reds have stumbled out of the gates in 2025, opening the season with a disappointing 3-7 record. It's far from the start fans hoped for under new manager Terry Francona, but if there’s one thing the veteran skipper is bringing to this club, it’s accountability — regardless of name recognition or past performance.

Francona, known for his no-nonsense leadership style, made it clear from the beginning that nothing will be handed out based on tenure alone. That message is being driven home with his handling of closer Alexis Díaz — a key figure in Cincinnati’s bullpen since 2022, but one who now finds himself on the outside looking in.

Currently working his way back from injury on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville, Díaz has yet to inspire full confidence. After two outings, Francona told reporters that Díaz simply isn’t ready. “We didn’t feel like he was ready physically, which I think he agrees with. So he’s going to go back with Louisville and pitch at least a couple more times. Just because he needs to get in sync. And he understands that. I think he actually agrees with that.”

Alexis Díaz's closer role in jeopardy as Reds manager Terry Francona demands results

While Francona reaffirmed that the organization still views Díaz as the closer long-term, he didn’t mince words: “He needs to be ready to be in that role.” For Reds fans, the transparency is refreshing — even if the reality is concerning.

Díaz has consistently struggled to find his rhythm as of late. He failed to record a clean inning during spring training and continues to fight command issues on his rehab assignment, still issuing walks at a high rate.

Over the weekend, the Reds dropped three of four to division rival Milwaukee — a club piecing together a rotation with duct tape and chewing gum. If the Brewers can grind out wins with a makeshift roster, the Reds can’t afford to keep digging themselves a hole.

Francona has been steadfast in his “what have you done for me lately?” approach. And right now, Díaz hasn’t proven that he can be trusted in high-leverage situations. Until that changes, Francona is keeping the closer-by-committee strategy.

It's a cautious but reasonable move — one that has worked elsewhere, but also comes with risks. Unclear roles in a bullpen can quickly snowball into late-inning chaos, as seen in Kansas City last year.

The Royals posted a 4.21 bullpen ERA and ranked 21st in the first half of 2024 while rotating late-inning arms without clear roles. Once Lucas Erceg was locked in as closer, the group responded — climbing to 16th in ERA (4.00), 11th in WAR (2.3), and finishing the season with a 2.77 ERA in the final month. That same bullpen went on to play hero in a playoff upset over the Baltimore Orioles. The lesson? Clarity breeds confidence — and success.

Francona is playing the long game. It’s early, and there’s still time to sort things out, but the Reds can’t afford to live in uncertainty for too long. If Díaz can’t reclaim the role soon, someone else will need to run away with it.

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