The Reds Make a Bold Decision

In a surprising twist to their season, the Cincinnati Reds have optioned former All-Star closer Alexis Diaz to Triple-A Louisville. In his stead, the team is recalling right-hander Luis Mey, who is set to make his Major League Baseball debut when he takes the mound.

A Season to Forget for Diaz

It's been a rocky road for Diaz this year. After starting the season on the 15-day injured list due to a hamstring strain, his return has been anything but triumphant. Once touted for his impressive skills, Diaz's average fastball has plummeted to an alarming career-low of 93 mph, and he’s currently grappling with more walks (five) and home runs (four) than strikeouts (three). With a dreadful 12.00 ERA, his reputation has taken a significant hit, especially after a disastrous five-run outing against the Cardinals.

From Star to Struggler: What's Gone Wrong?

Diaz's decline wasn’t completely unexpected. A standout in his first two seasons, he achieved a remarkable fifth-place finish in the '22 NL Rookie of the Year voting and earned an All-Star nod in '23 while racking up 37 saves. However, alarming signs began to surface in early 2024. His ERA rose to 3.99, and crucially, his once-mighty fastball dipped from 95.2 mph to 93.9 mph. While maintaining a strikeout rate above 30% in his first two seasons, it has now slumped to a mere 22.7%.

Pitch Quality Deterioration

Significantly, Diaz’s lack of command has become even more pronounced as his slider's effectiveness has waned. Although he hasn’t changed his pitch selection—sticking to a mix of four-seam fastballs and sliders—the quality of his pitches has noticeably dropped. The once-wide gap in velocity between his fastball and slider has shrunk, and the break on his slider has diminished sharply, bringing it down from above-average levels to distinctly below average.

Future Implications for Diaz

The Reds had the option to non-tender Diaz in the offseason but chose to retain him with a $4.5 million salary. This demotion may delay his path to free agency. Entering the season with exactly three years of MLB service, a prolonged stay in Triple-A could push his free agency eligibility from the 2027-28 offseason to 2028-29 unless he finds a way to recapture his former glory.

Meet Luis Mey: The Powerhouse Ready to Impress

As the Reds hand the torch to Mey, a 23-year-old flamethrower, excitement brews. Mey boasts an average fastball velocity of 99.1 mph, making him an intriguing addition to the bullpen. However, like Diaz, he has battled command issues throughout his minor league career, often walking over 15% of opposing batters. Despite this, his potential shines through, particularly with a slider that has garnered positive scouting reports.

A Fresh Start for Both Players

With this change, the Reds hope to kickstart their season. Diaz has the opportunity to regroup in Triple-A, while Mey can establish himself in the majors. Will Diaz reclaim his spot as the closer? Can Mey become the dominant reliever the Reds are hoping for? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—a new chapter begins for both of these pitchers.