Alexis Díaz Drawing Optimism from Rangers Front Office as 2026 Looms
There’s a quiet sense of optimism building around Alexis Díaz in Arlington - and it’s not just lip service. The Rangers are reportedly “encouraged” by what they’ve seen from the 29-year-old right-hander this offseason, and there’s growing belief that he could emerge as the team’s closer in 2026.
Now, that’s a big “could,” especially considering the rollercoaster Díaz rode last season. But for a team that’s prioritizing pitching and looking to stabilize the back end of its bullpen, Díaz’s upside is hard to ignore.
A Fall, a Reset, and a New Opportunity
Just a couple of years ago, Díaz was an All-Star and widely viewed as one of the most electric closers in the game. That version of him - the one who could dominate with a high-octane fastball and wipeout slider - is exactly what the Rangers are hoping to tap into.
But 2025 wasn’t kind to him. Díaz struggled out of the gate with the Reds, surrendering eight earned runs on eight hits - including four home runs - and issuing five walks in just six innings. That rough start led to a demotion to Triple-A Louisville in early May.
Four weeks later, the Reds dealt him to the Dodgers for right-hander Mike Villani. It was a change of scenery, but not necessarily a change in results.
Díaz made nine appearances in Los Angeles, giving up five earned runs on seven hits (two homers) and two walks over nine innings. The Dodgers shuffled him between the majors and minors before ultimately designating him for assignment in September.
The Braves gave him a brief look, claiming him off waivers. But the struggles continued - three earned runs on five walks in just 2 2/3 innings. No hits, but plenty of red flags.
Still, the Rangers saw enough to take a chance, signing Díaz to a one-year, $1 million deal in December. It’s a low-risk move with potential high reward. If Díaz can rediscover even a fraction of his All-Star form, Texas might have found a late-inning weapon on a bargain deal.
Pitching, Pitching, Pitching
The Díaz signing fits into a broader theme for the Rangers this offseason: pitching is the priority.
President of baseball operations Chris Young said recently that the club feels “pretty good” about the position player group heading into 2026. And while the offense left plenty to be desired last season - ranking among the league’s worst - the front office has been laser-focused on bolstering the arms.
So far, the Rangers have added outfielder Brandon Nimmo and catcher Danny Jansen, giving them a bit more depth and veteran presence. But the bulk of their attention has gone toward building a more reliable pitching staff - and Díaz is one of the more intriguing wild cards in that mix.
If he can lock in and find consistency, he’s got closer-level stuff. If not, the Rangers haven’t overcommitted financially, and they can pivot.
Building for the Future, Too
While the big-league roster remains the primary focus, the Rangers also made a splash on the international front. On the opening day of the international signing period, Texas inked 20 players - headlined by 17-year-old infielder Elian Rosario from the Dominican Republic, who signed for $2.5 million.
Rosario is considered one of the top talents in this year’s international class. He brings a polished bat and advanced instincts for his age, and the Rangers are clearly betting on his long-term potential. Adding him to a farm system that’s already produced key contributors in recent years is another step in building sustainable success.
The Bottom Line
The Rangers are betting on upside this winter - both in the short term with players like Díaz and in the long term with signings like Rosario. Díaz’s path back to late-inning dominance won’t be easy, but the Rangers are giving him the chance to prove he still has that All-Star caliber arm.
And if he does? That bullpen could look a whole lot more dangerous come Opening Day.