Alexis Diaz

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #23 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: The younger brother of Mets closer Edwin Diaz, Alexis has proven to be a very useful developmental project. He sat 88-92 mph when the Reds drafted him in 2015. Now his slider can touch 88. He had Tommy John surgery in 2016 but has bounced back nicely. He earned a spot on the Reds’ 40-man roster after an impressive season at Double-A Chattanooga.
  
  Scouting Report: Because of his low three-quarters slot, Diaz has an exceptionally low release point. He has a very low approach angle on his 93-97 mph fastball. Diaz’s above-average fastball has enough velocity to keep hitters looking for it, but really it’s just the appetizer for his plus slider that he throws every bit as much as his fastball. It’s thrown at 83-88 mph and looks like his fastball coming out of his hand. Diaz can throw it in the zone or out depending on the situation, flipping between a short, cutterish version as well as a bigger one that runs away from hitters’ bats. His command is average, but he has below-average control thanks to his slider-heavy approach.
  
  The Future: The best thing a pitcher can be is unusual. If you can throw hard and still be unlike anyone else hitters normally see, all the better. Diaz is a fireballer who has an unusual release point and a nice two-pitch mix. He could help Cincinnati at some point in 2022.
  

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #299 prospect in 2015 draft
  The younger brother of Mariners prospect Edwin Diaz, Alexis Diaz is following his brother's path. He has a powerful right arm and has seen his velocity jump this year, with his fastball now sitting 89-92 mph. There's still room for projection in his 6-foot-3, 175-pound frame and scouts think he might be able to eventually equal the plus velocity his older brother shows. He has the makings of a curveball with at least average potential, as well as a nascent changeup. Diaz offers scouts a lot to dream on and could end up being a very similar pitcher to his brother.

• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: The younger brother of Mets closer Edwin Diaz, Alexis has proven to be a very useful developmental project. He sat 88-92 mph when the Reds drafted him in 2015. Now his slider can touch 88. He had Tommy John surgery in 2016 but has bounced back nicely. He earned a spot on the Reds’ 40-man roster after an impressive season at Double-A Chattanooga.
  
  Scouting Report: Because of his low three-quarters slot, Diaz has an exceptionally low release point. He has a very low approach angle on his 93-97 mph fastball. Diaz’s above-average fastball has enough velocity to keep hitters looking for it, but really it’s just the appetizer for his plus slider that he throws every bit as much as his fastball. It’s thrown at 83-88 mph and looks like his fastball coming out of his hand. Diaz can throw it in the zone or out depending on the situation, flipping between a short, cutterish version as well as a bigger one that runs away from hitters’ bats. His command is average, but he has below-average control thanks to his slider-heavy approach.
  
  The Future: The best thing a pitcher can be is unusual. If you can throw hard and still be unlike anyone else hitters normally see, all the better. Diaz is a fireballer who has an unusual release point and a nice two-pitch mix. He could help Cincinnati at some point in 2022.