Predictions for Alexis Diaz in 2026

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On December 16, the Rangers announced that they had signed reliever Alexis Diaz to a one-year contract. This move is a gamble for GM Chris Young, but it could be one that pays off. 

Diaz had a forgettable 2025 season, struggling to an 8.15 ERA in 18 appearances for three different teams. Further, his fastball velocity dipped to a career-low 93.5 miles per hour, which ranked in the 35th percentile according to Baseball Savant. However, Diaz is a former top reliever, posting a 1.84 ERA in 2022 and saving 37 games as an all-star in 2023. The brother of Edwin Diaz, Alexis should have pitching in his blood. 

A potential curb to Diaz's development is the departure of former Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux to the Angels in the offseason, presenting a challenge for the coaching staff. However, his replacement, former pro pitcher Jordan Tiegs, was an on-field contributor with Maddux last season, and together they helped free agent acquisitions Shawn Armstrong, Chris Martin, Hoby Milner, and Jacob Webb improve on their 2024 campaigns. While Diaz is clearly not at his best, he has high upside and the potential to return to form with the Rangers' talented coaching staff. Here's hoping that he'll come through on the mound. 

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