'Best thing for everybody': Reds trade Díaz to Dodgers for prospect

CHICAGO -- First, former All-Star closer Alexis Díaz was unable to fix his issues on the mound in the big leagues for the Reds. Then, Díaz couldn't turn things around while at Triple-A.

On Thursday, Cincinnati felt there was only one avenue left for Díaz and traded him to the Dodgers for Minor League pitcher Mike Villani.

"I felt it was the best thing for everybody involved just to have a change of scenery," Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said. "Obviously, he was a very productive player here. But being in Triple-A, it's not where he wanted to be. It's something we felt, 'Hey, this is the best way to clear the roster spot and get something for him and just move on, give him the change of scenery.'"

A 28-year-old who was earning $4.5 million this season, Díaz carried his 2024 struggles into Spring Training after missing the start of exhibition games with a left hamstring injury early in camp. He eventually lost his closer's role to Emilio Pagán as he opened the season on the injured list.

Over six appearances after his activation on April 15, Díaz posted a 12.00 ERA with eight hits, four home runs, five walks and three strikeouts in six innings. In what proved to be his final outing for the Reds on April 30, vs. the Cardinals, he gave up home runs to three consecutive batters.

"He needs to continue to throw strikes. That's where he struggled this year with some things," Krall said.

In 14 appearances for Louisville, Díaz had a 4.61 ERA with 12 walks, 16 strikeouts and two homers allowed in 13 2/3 innings.

Last season, Díaz saved 28 of 32 games for Cincinnati, but had a 3.99 ERA. His WHIP jumped from 1.19 in 2023 to 1.30 in 2024, while his strikeout rate declined from 11.5 to 8.8 per nine innings. In 2023, Díaz broke out with a 3.07 ERA and 37 saves and was rewarded with his lone All-Star game invite.

"He's a really good kid. He did some great things here. I definitely wish him the best," Krall said.

Villani, 22, was a 13th round pick of the Dodgers in the 2024 Draft out of Long Beach State University. The right-handed reliever made his professional debut last week and has two perfect innings with five strikeouts in two games.

"Good arm strength, he can spin a breaking ball," Krall said. "Obviously, it's a recently drafted kid but there is some upside there."

With Díaz being moved, the Reds' 40-man roster is now at 39 players.