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Alexis Diaz 2024 Fantasy Baseball Outlook: Elite Option For Saves With Signs Of Concern
11 months agoCincinnati Reds right-hander Alexis Diaz finished the 2023 season with 37 saves, the fourth-most in baseball, with a solid 1.19 WHIP but a lackluster 3.07 ERA across 67 innings. Diaz relied on two pitches consistently with a slight favor to his slider, which he threw 51.5% of the time to his four-seam. His slider produced a 16-run value, according to Baseball Savant. In contrast, his fastball was graded as a negative six-run value (a positive run value means a good matchup for that pitch versus hitters). His slider produced an expected batting average of .176, while his fastball produced a higher number at .217. Another more significant cause of concern was how he performed after the All-Star Break. During the second half of the season, the 27-year-old posted a hefty 4.61 ERA and 1.43 WHIP compared to his first half, where he threw a solid 2.03 ERA and dominant 1.03 WHIP. Consistency was a concern for Diaz as he disappointed fantasy managers down the stretch. Still, ATC projects him for a hefty number of saves at 31 with an increase in an ERA of 3.85, making him a solid pick at his current NFBC ADP of 75.
