The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired Alexis Díaz from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Mike Villani, their 2024 13th-round pick, according to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.
Díaz was an All-Star in 2023 when he recorded 37 saves. In his first two seasons, he had a 2.47 ERA and 47 saves. However, he began to struggle in Year 3. In 2024, he had a 3.99 ERA in 56 1/3 innings.
This season, he started the year by giving up eight earned runs in six innings of work. He was optioned to Triple-A at the start of May. In 14 games in Triple-A, he has allowed seven earned runs and walked 122 batters in 13 2/3 innings. The Reds have decided to give up on him and let the Dodgers try to fox him.
The trade comes after the Dodgers’ current closer, Tanner Scott, has struggled. Scott has blown three saves in his last five outings and has a 4.62 ERA on the season. He has given up nine earned runs in the last five games.
Díaz is not going to replace Scott, but he gives the Dodgers an option if they can get him back to his best form. He is the younger brother of Mets All-Star closer Edwin Díaz. At his best, he can be one of the best closers in the game. If the Dodgers’ staff can help him find his command again, he could be a key player for them.
