The Cincinnati Reds made headlines by trading former All-Star closer Alexis Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The timing and details of this move have fans talking, raising questions about the organization's long-term planning and what comes next for the bullpen. Let’s break down what happened, why the move makes sense for both teams, and what it means for the future.
Background on the Alexis Diaz Trade
On May 29, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds sent Alexis Diaz to the Dodgers. In exchange, the Reds received Mike Villani, a right-handed pitcher currently working in the Arizona Complex League. The Dodgers opened a spot for Diaz by putting Evan Phillips on the 60-day injured list.
This move isn’t just about one player swapping teams. It’s the story of a high-profile closer whose performance plummeted, the calculation that goes into roster decisions, and the long-term challenges of building a sustainable roster.
Who Is Alexis Diaz?
Once a rising star, Diaz was the anchor of the Reds’ bullpen. He stormed onto the MLB scene in 2022, finishing with a 1.84 ERA—good enough for fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. By 2023, he had the All-Star nod and 37 saves to his name, living up to his status as the younger brother of Mets closer Edwin Diaz. His fastball was electric and his confidence on the mound unmistakable.
But things can change quickly for relievers. By 2024, Diaz’s ERA jumped to 3.99 and a string of control issues surfaced. In 2025, a hamstring injury derailed his season. He appeared in only six major league games, posting a jaw-dropping 12.00 ERA and walking five in as many innings. A demotion to Triple-A Louisville didn’t fix things: over 14 games, Diaz put up a 4.61 ERA.
Despite his history, Diaz found himself a reliever without a role on a team that had moved on. You can see his career stats and recent numbers on MLB.com.
Who Is Mike Villani?
Heading to Cincinnati is Mike Villani, a right-handed reliever drafted in the 13th round in 2024 out of Long Beach State. Villani has pitched only a couple innings with the ACL Dodgers since joining the pros, but he made an early mark—five strikeouts in two hitless innings, no walks.
Scouts say he has a strong arm, touching the upper 90s with his fastball. Control and secondary pitches? Still works in progress. The Reds view him as a long-term project, a classic lottery ticket. You can find his latest stats and scouting info on his minor league profile.
Why Did the Reds Trade Diaz Now?
Teams always have to balance present needs, future plans, and the financial realities of baseball. The Reds’ bullpen has held up well overall this year, and with Diaz struggling in both the majors and Triple-A, his spot on the roster looked shaky. He’s also not a league-minimum player. Diaz is making $4.5 million and remains arbitration-eligible for two more years.
Holding on to players too long is a lesson this Reds front office has learned the hard way. The team faces regular criticism for missing the window on trading guys like Todd Frazier, Jay Bruce, and Johnny Cueto—fan favorites whose value dropped before they ever moved.
“If you're a small-market team and you're trying to be like the Guardians or the Rays, you have to make tough trades. If you want sustainable success, you’ve got to keep bringing in new talent, even if that means letting go of popular players,” as discussed by Nick Kirby on Chatterbox Reds.
Trading Diaz sooner—maybe after his 2023 All-Star season—would almost certainly have netted a better return. Now, facing declining velocity and results, the Reds opted to cut ties, open a roster spot, and reclaim some salary space for their next moves.
A Missed Opportunity
Fans can’t help but wonder: what if Diaz had been traded at his peak? Instead, a 13th-round flyer is all that came back. It’s a tough pill to swallow for those who watched him dominate NL hitters just two seasons ago.
What Does This Trade Mean for the Reds’ Bullpen?
The bullpen shuffle didn’t end with Diaz. The same day, the Reds optioned Luis May—another reliever who had shown promise, but stumbled in recent outings—to Triple-A.
Who Replaces Diaz and May?
With these moves, the Reds cleared a 40-man roster spot and made room for another arm, possibly one of:
- Sam Mole: Lefty reliever who’s been rehabbing after a stint on the injured list. Mole was already considered for a return since the Cubs (the upcoming opponent) have lefty-heavy lineups.
- Lion Richardson: Offers length but may not be eligible yet due to recent option rules.
- Sam Ben Schustster: Triple-A starter with some relief experience, could see a call-up if the Reds need innings).
Each of these options brings a bit of something different. The hope is to find a mix of durability and effectiveness, especially with a tough stretch of games ahead.
Bullpen Candidates at a Glance
| Name | Pitching Hand | Recent Status | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Mole | Left | Rehab, ready for MLB glance | Reliable lefty, tough to hit |
| Lion Richardson | Right | Recently optioned | Can provide multiple innings |
| Sam Ben Schustster | Left | Starting in AAA | Can handle longer relief stints |
The Bigger Picture
Even with their latest moves, the Reds know their bullpen needs attention. Besides Taylor Rogers, no reliever has locked down a specialist role. Brent Suter throws left but doesn’t dominate lefties. The club may need to shuffle several arms just to stay competitive against teams like the Cubs, Brewers, and Cardinals.
This deal, while not making headlines for its return, gives the Reds options. They reset the 40-man roster, save some money, and can test out new arms over the next month. If they stay in the playoff chase, those options become even more important.
If the team fades from contention, expect more moves as July’s trade season heats up. Brad Meier, a Reds official, was quoted as saying the club doesn’t plan to “be sellers”—but as always in baseball, that can change quickly.
Dodgers’ Gamble Versus Reds’ Reality
The Dodgers didn’t trade for today’s version of Alexis Diaz. They’re betting that their pitching development team can restore his former All-Star magic. With key relievers like Blake Treinen and Michael Kopech on the shelf, and nearly 240 bullpen innings already this season, the Dodgers need arms.
For Los Angeles, Diaz is a cheap, low-risk project. If he finds his groove in Triple-A and returns to previous form, the Dodgers gain a potential playoff weapon. If not, they can simply move on. Their payroll flexibility gives them the power to make these moves without worry.
Contrast that with the Reds. Cincinnati operates with a slimmer margin for error, where every roster slot and dollar needs to go further.
Fan Reaction and the Reliever Rollercoaster
Few positions in baseball swing in value as wildly as the bullpen. Two years ago, Diaz was a star. Today, he’s a struggling AAA arm. Fans know this well—and their reactions reflect it.
Reds fans: Frustrated about the return and the timing. Many wonder aloud about missed opportunities:
“This is the most predictable outcome possible. It hurts to watch Diaz go for so little, and we all know he’s going to turn it around in LA.”
Dodgers fans: Hopeful that a buy-low deal on a former All-Star pays off, even if only for a few months.
“If the Dodgers can work their magic here, this could end up being one of the best bargains of the year.”
Bullpen arms are notoriously volatile. Sometimes, a change of scenery is the only prescription that works.
Who Could Be Next on the Reds’ Trade List?
General managers shouldn’t fear making unpopular trades if it means building a stronger future. With Diaz gone, a few other players could be on the move, especially if the Reds drop out of the playoff race.
Potential Trade Candidates
- TJ Friedl: Productive all-around outfielder who turns 31 soon. His value may never be higher.
- Austin Hayes: Veteran on an expiring contract. Could interest contenders needing depth.
- Gavin Lux: Only under control through next year. Young but blocked by others.
- Nick Martinez: Pitcher with an expiring contract.
- Brady Singer: Another pitcher whose deal is up soon.
- Emilio Pagán, Taylor Rogers: Veteran bullpen arms who could appeal to playoff teams.
The Reds need to become more comfortable moving key contributors at or near their peak. Waiting too long often means getting less in return, as happened with Diaz.
Roster Strategy and Schedule
The coming weeks could define the Reds’ year. They square off against the likes of the Brewers, Diamondbacks, Guardians, Tigers, Twins, and Cardinals—all teams that are either tough opponents or in similar spots in the standings.
Win now, and the team may buy at the deadline. Struggle, and more veterans could be shipped out for youth.
Insights from Chatterbox Reds and Team Officials
Nick Kirby of Chatterbox Reds offered blunt thoughts about the trade: “It’s just a sad day that Alexis Diaz didn’t work out. The Reds developed him well, got him to the big leagues, but after that, everything went wrong.”
On the move itself, Reds GM Nick Krall clarified: “Alexis Diaz did not request a trade. This was our decision. He’s not where he needs to be and wasn’t in our immediate plans. It’s just one of those spots where a change of scenery may help.”
As for Mike Villani, Krall was brief but optimistic:
“He has good arm strength and can spin a breaking ball.”
Staying Connected: Where to Follow Reds News and Discussion
Want to track the latest moves and analysis on the Cincinnati Reds?
- Chatterbox Reds: YouTube channel for live postgame shows, analysis, and daily updates.
- Podcasts: Listen to daily recaps and interviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.
- Social Media: Engage with the Chatterbox crew and other fans by following their Twitter, jumping into YouTube live chats, or leaving comments on recent episodes.
Don’t miss a beat—subscribe, click the bell for notifications, and join the live discussion after every game.
Final Thoughts
The Alexis Diaz trade marks a turning point. The Reds, learning from past mistakes, moved a struggling arm rather than continue to hope for a rebound. For Diaz, joining the Dodgers offers a reset with a franchise known for getting the best out of its pitchers. Fans will watch the next few weeks closely: How will the Reds manage the bullpen? Will they commit to a full rebuild if results swing the wrong way?
Either way, this chapter reminds us why baseball is equal parts business and emotion—and why relievers never seem to have it easy.
If you’re passionate about the Reds and want real talk after every game, check out Chatterbox Reds on YouTube and follow their podcasts for up-to-date coverage. Keep the conversation going—your voice is part of what makes this fan base unique. Go Reds!
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