Diaz's performance was rocky at times in 2024, but his stability as the Reds closer was always high. The right-hander finished with 28 saves in 32 chances and a 77.8 percent team save share, both of which ranked ninth in the league. The velocity on his four-seamer (94 mph) dipped for the second consecutive year, but the pitch yielded better results than his slider, which was reflected in its usage (58 percent - a +9.5% difference from 2023). Diaz's perennially poor walk rate (12.8 percent) and plummeting K-rate (22.7 percent) attributed to a higher WHIP (1.30), which may not sit well with new manager Tito Francona. However, working in Diaz's favor for 2025 is the current lack of competition within his own bullpen. He'll likely open the season as Cincinnati's closer, but his leash may not be as long as it was under David Bell. Read Past Outlooks