Reds trade former All-Star closer Díaz to Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired reliever Alexis Díaz from the Cincinnati Reds for pitching prospect Mike Villani, the clubs announced Thursday.
Díaz, 28, was an All-Star in 2023 but was demoted to the minor leagues May 1 after posting a 12.00 ERA in six appearances this year. He is expected to head to Arizona to work with the Dodgers' pitching group before joining the team, sources told Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.
Díaz was one of baseball's best relief pitchers from 2022-24, collecting 75 saves and never posting an ERA above 3.99. However, he did show signs of regression last year as his K/9 dipped to 8.8 while his FIP rose to 4.57.
He opened the 2025 season on the injured list with a hamstring strain.
The righty could force his way into the Dodgers' bullpen mix as key arms Blake Treinen, Kirby Yates, Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, and Brusdar Graterol all remain sidelined. Phillips was moved to the 60-day injured list to make room for Díaz on the 40-man roster.
Los Angeles' relievers entered Thursday having pitched an MLB-high 239 2/3 innings in 2025.