Alexis Díaz DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Alexis Diaz began his throwing program earlier this offseason. Diaz did this to set himself up for a strong start to the 2025 campaign. Diaz said, "I feel like since then, I've' been able to work on my throwing and get my arm loose and ready for spring training." Diaz also noted he feels more confident entering this season. Last summer, the right-hander posted a 3.99 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP with 28 saves across 56 1/3 innings. However, he struggled to remain consistent. During the first two months of the season, Diaz held a hefty 5.91 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP and blew two saves. However, from June 1 and on, the closer began to turn his season around as he held a solid 2.83 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP over the final 35 innings of the season. While Diaz may occasionally struggle throughout the season, he is a safe option for saves, given that he is the clear ninth-inning option in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati Reds closer Alexis Diaz slammed the door on the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, picking up his 23rd save in a 4-3 win. Diaz was tasked with protecting the one-run lead in the ninth and did so easily, punching out a pair while throwing a perfect frame. After a rough first half of May, Diaz has looked like his usual self, converting 16 save chances in a row. His overall numbers still don't look great, but they are slowly coming around. The 27-year-old should be a solid relief option in fantasy for the rest of the year.

Cincinnati Reds closer Alexis Diaz picked up his 10th save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. Diaz was called upon for the second day in a row in the ninth and once again made quick work of the Dodgers. This time, he came in with a runner on second and struck out both batters he faced. While the 27-year-old fireballer had some struggles for the first half of May, he appears to have settled back in, allowing zero runs in his last four appearances while picking up three saves. He should remain a solid closing option for fantasy managers.

Cincinnati Reds closer Alexis Diaz made his spring debut on Thursday in a 5-4 Cactus League win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 2023 All-Star struck out the side on nine pitches, generating six swing-and-misses, and the final to go down swinging was none other than perennial MVP candidate Mookie Betts. It looks like Diaz is ready for the regular season to begin and put a rough second half of last season behind him. The righty posted a 4.61 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in the second half of 2023, versus a first half that saw a 2.03 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. Nevertheless, even though it could be a bumpy ride, the 27-year-old will be a top-15 RP option in 2024.