Alexis Díaz, the Cincinnati Reds' closer, had a season marked by contrasting halves in 2024. The first half saw him struggle with a 4.33 ERA and a WHIP of 1.472, but he rebounded in the second half with a 3.43 ERA and a significantly improved WHIP of 1.000. His strikeout rate also dipped, from 11.5 K/9 in 2023 to 8.8 K/9 in 2024, leading him to focus more on attacking the strike zone.

Ending the season on a high note, Díaz delivered nine consecutive scoreless outings, showcasing the potential for further improvement in his command. Pitching coach Derek Johnson emphasized the importance of throwing strikes, especially against left-handed hitters, in maximizing Díaz's effectiveness moving forward.

FanGraphs has unveiled its projections for the Cincinnati Reds in 2025, suggesting the team is likely to hover around a .500 win-loss record. Elly De La Cruz is expected to be the standout performer, projected to achieve an fWAR of 5.0 with a batting line of .263/.335/.472, including 25 home runs and 54 stolen bases. Matt McLain, returning from shoulder surgery, is anticipated to be the second-best player with an fWAR of 4.0 and a batting average of .254.

While the catching duo of Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino is projected to contribute significantly with a combined fWAR of 3.6, the overall lineup is seen as underwhelming. The third base position, manned by Noelvi Marte, Santiago Espinal, and Jeimer Candelario, is forecasted to have the lowest fWAR on the team at just 0.7. On the pitching front, Hunter Greene is projected to maintain a solid performance, with a record of 8-7 and a 3.62 ERA.

However, the Reds' bullpen is viewed negatively, with a combined fWAR of -0.3, highlighting a need for improvement. The projections echo fan sentiments, indicating the necessity for the Reds to bolster their roster if they aim to contend effectively in 2025.

Fernando Cruz recently made his Major League Baseball debut, joining the Cincinnati Reds shortly after closer Alexis Diaz also made his debut. The two players developed a close friendship over their time together, and Diaz expressed surprise at Cruz's recent trade to the New York Yankees in exchange for Jose Trevino. During an event in Naguabo, Diaz shared his thoughts on the trade, wishing Cruz well with the Yankees and acknowledging the significance of joining such a storied franchise.

Despite his surprise at the trade, Diaz praised the Reds' front office for their recent acquisitions, believing they could positively influence the team's performance. He noted, however, that the team may still need a few more pieces to be competitive. Diaz is optimistic about his preparation for the upcoming spring training, feeling physically ready and eager to start the season.

In addition to Cruz's trade, the Reds are making headlines with various managerial decisions and player movements. The organization has released a tribute video for Pete Rose following his passing and is actively searching for a new manager after parting ways with David Bell. The Reds' future looks promising as they aim to strengthen their roster and improve their performance in the upcoming season.

The conclusion of the regular season prompts a review of relief pitchers who underperformed relative to their draft positions. Key players like Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets and Camilo Doval of the San Francisco Giants faced significant struggles, with injuries and poor performance impacting their seasons.

Other notable mentions include Alexis Diaz from the Cincinnati Reds, David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Jordan Romano from the Toronto Blue Jays, all of whom had disappointing years despite high expectations.

This article highlights several Major League Baseball players who underperformed relative to their draft expectations in the 2023 season, impacting fantasy baseball teams significantly.

Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena, both from the Seattle Mariners, struggled despite high draft positions, while Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt from the Toronto Blue Jays faced injuries and performance issues. Other notable mentions include Paul Goldschmidt, Gleyber Torres, Alexis Diaz, and Spencer Torkelson, each demonstrating disappointing results that left fantasy managers frustrated.