Texas is reportedly encouraged by the progress shown by Diaz this off-season and feels like they can return him to the 2023 version of himself.
In 2023, the Texas Rangers sent a franchise record six players to the All-Star game in Seattle amidst their historic World Series title season.
What they didn’t know was that one of their future relievers was sitting on the other side in the National League bullpen.
After a breakout season with the Cincinnati Reds, Alexis Diaz was named a 2023 All-Star in a season that ended up being a 37 save breakout campaign for the young Puerto Rican.
Diaz had another solid year in 2024 posting a 3.99 ERA in 56.1 innings with the Reds but in 2025, it all fell apart.
Following a six game stint in which he gave up eight runs in six innings with Cincinnati Diaz was sent to the Dodgers where he posted an ERA of 5.00 in nine games leading him to be placed on waivers where he was claimed by the struggling Atlanta Braves where he would post a 10.13 ERA in just three games.
Now, after having experienced quick success and failure at the Major League Level, Diaz signed a one-year “prove it” type deal with the Texas Rangers.
Texas had the fifth best bullpen ERA in all of Major League Baseball last season but that group has largely since departed.
Hoby Milner, Phil Maton, and Jacob Webb have all signed with the Chicago Cubs and Shawn Armstrong is heading to the Cleveland Guardians despite rumored mutual interest in a reunion.
For a second straight season, it appears the Rangers will be heading into Spring Training without any set roles in their bullpen.
Much to the delight of Diaz who very well could wind up with an opportunity to be a closer on a Major League team once again.
Surely that opportunity will have to be earned as the Rangers have several guys such as Robert Garcia, Chris Martin and others who will be looking to earn the opportunity to be the guy who gets the three most important outs of the game.
However, thus far in the off-season, it seems that from both sides of the equation, the Rangers pairing with Diaz is a solid one.
Texas is reportedly encouraged with the progress shown from Diaz this off-season and feel like they can return him to the 2023 version of himself.
On the flip side, Diaz is reportedly hungry to return to his 2023 form and emerge as the Rangers closer.
If the trend continues and this pairing works out, the Rangers could wind up with a guy to help them reverse their 29 blown saves last season.
Something that will be pivotal as Texas looks to return to the postseason for the first time since winning it all in 2023.