Alexis Díaz joins Dodgers in stunning trade deal with Reds, reshaping LA's pitching strategy
Dodgers secure former All-Star Alexis Díaz in high-stakes trade with Reds (Imagn Images)
In a bold effort to stabilize their shaky bullpen, the Los Angeles Dodgers have pulled off an early-season trade, acquiring right-hander Alexis Díaz from the Cincinnati Reds. The move signals a clear urgency from the Dodgers' front office following their recent bullpen meltdown against the Guardians, where a two-run lead spiraled into a 7–4 loss in a single inning.
How Alexis Díaz's All-Star talent gives the Dodgers a dominant bullpen edge after Reds trade
Alexis Díaz, once considered one of the top young closers in the game, has experienced a sharp decline in form. Just two years ago, he was among the most dependable relievers in the National League, earning an All-Star selection in 2023 and amassing 47 saves with a 2.47 ERA between 2022 and 2023. But injuries and inconsistency have derailed his trajectory. This season, Díaz holds a rough 12.00 ERA in just six innings at the Major League level and was recently demoted to Triple-A after struggling to regain command post-hamstring injury.
Despite his recent troubles, the Dodgers see an opportunity. 'He combined to post a 2.47 ERA with 47 saves — and 169 strikeouts against 69 walks — across 130 appearances in those two seasons,' as noted in the official release. For a team whose bullpen has logged the most innings in baseball this year and currently ranks 17th with a 3.98 ERA, this is more than a gamble—it's a strategic investment.
L.A. is sending Minor League pitcher Mike Villani, a 13th-round pick in 2024, to Cincinnati in return.
To make space on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers moved veteran reliever Evan Phillips to the 60-day IL, a blow to the bullpen's stability.
With Díaz under team control through 2027 and earning $4.5 million this season, the Dodgers are betting on a low-cost, high-upside arm who, if revived, could fortify a bullpen in desperate need of reliability. His past suggests he can handle high-leverage moments. Now it's up to the Dodgers' coaching staff to help him rediscover that edge.
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