Alexis Diaz has been a staple in the back of the Reds bullpen for the past three seasons, locking down the ninth inning regularly in 2023 and 2024. Diaz recorded 37 and 28 saves in 2023 and 2024 respectively, but it is likely that he will not be in the same position to do so in 2025.
Diaz’s Spring Training Struggles
Diaz struggled mightily in Spring Training. He appeared in four games, tossing 3 1/3 innings, and allowed five earned runs, with five walks and just one strikeout. It was a woeful performance that made his closer spot up for grabs. To add insult to injury, or in this case, injury to insult, Diaz has been sidelined to begin the season as he is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Diaz’s 2024 Season
Diaz’s spring struggles is coming off the heels of a 2024 where he had statistically his worst season. He posted a career-high 3.99 ERA in a career-low 56 1/3 innings pitched. He allowed a career-high six home runs and struck out a career-low 22.7% of batters faced. It was a 10 percent drop from his previous two seasons. He continued his command issues by walking 12.8% of batters faced (3rd percentile).
Reds New Closer
With Diaz struggling and hitting the shelf, Francona has anointed Graham Ashcraft as their closer to begin the season.
In spring, Ashcraft has allowed 10 earned runs in 13 1/3 innings while recording 13 strikeouts and eight walks in that span. His ERA and WHIP stand at an unimpressive 6.75 and 1.80 respectively, making it difficult to justify his closer role, let alone a major league roster spot.
There were rumblings of him possibly being demoted to Triple-A Louisville as a result of his struggles. Luckily for him, the Diaz injury opened up a spot for him in the bullpen. It is a role he has never assumed in the big leagues as he has been a starter for all of his young MLB career so far.
Reds 2025 Closer Situation
While it is certainly possible, it is highly unlikely Ashcraft remains the closer for the entirety of the season. The role will likely be a revolving door of high-leverage arms closing games situationally. It will be based on who’s hot and who’s available.
Newcomers Scott Barlow and Taylor Rogers are in contention for the closer role down the line. It shouldn’t pose as much of an issue during the year, seeing as Cincinnati has one of the better bullpens in the league.
As for Diaz, he has one minor league option remaining. That could be utilized once he comes off the IL. He’ll hope to regain some confidence across the river in Kentucky as he hopes to return to form for the new and improved Reds.
Main Photo Credits: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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