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Can Alexis Diaz Emerge as the Primary Closer in Texas?
Across 131 appearances for the Cincinnati Reds between 2023 and 2024, Texas Rangers relief pitcher Alexis Diaz racked up 65 saves and 141 strikeouts. However, things came unraveled for the 29-year-old in 2025. Across 17 2/3 innings split between the Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves, Diaz pitched to an 8.15 ERA and 1.53 WHIP while recording nearly as many walks (12) as strikeouts (17). Coming off the brutal season, the Rangers signed Diaz to a one-year contract this past offseason. The right-hander obviously has a lot to prove to get his MLB career back on track. However, Diaz could have a golden opportunity to emerge as the team's primary ninth-inning option if he can rediscover his prior form. Left-hander Robert Garcia currently looks like the favorite to be the closer in Texas, but he owns just nine career saves and has never recorded a WHIP below 1.19. If Diaz pitches well early in 2026, he may end up being a sneaky saves candidate for fantasy managers to target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
