The Dodgers have signed pitcher Alexis Diaz from the Reds, while righty Evan Phillips heads to the 60-day IL, creating a spot on the 40-man roster. Diaz, who reports to the team’s Arizona facility for development, had a tumultuous season, posting a 12.00 ERA in the majors and struggling at Triple-A with a 4.61 ERA, marked by high walk rates and low strikeout percentages.
Despite being a former All-Star and Rookie of the Year candidate, Diaz’s performance has been concerning, leading to speculation about his future. The Dodgers have absorbed Diaz’s remaining salary of $2.95 million, factoring in luxury tax obligations, bringing the total financial impact to about $6.2 million. They plan to develop him over the next three seasons through arbitration.
In exchange, the Reds receive minor league right-hander Mike Villani, a lower-tier prospect who the Dodgers picked in the 13th round last year. Villani is seen as a long-term project, raising questions about Diaz’s declining performance and future potential.
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