Rangers fans will be ecstatic to hear update on team's potential 2026 closer

Although they had the best ERA in the league last season, the Texas Rangers struggled to close games, converting just 37 saves in 66 opportunities. They didn't have an established closer, either, as Shawn Armstrong, Robert Garcia and Luke Jackson tied for the team lead in saves with nine each.

Hopefully, someone on the 2026 Rangers can establish himself as the team's primary closer, allowing Skip Schumaker to make an easy decision every time the Rangers are leading by a small margin in the ninth inning.

Rangers fans happy to hear encouraging update regarding righty Alexis Díaz

One player who has a good shot at becoming the team's main closer is Alexis Díaz, whom the Rangers signed to a one-year, $1 million contract last month. DLLS Sports' Jeff Wilson recently provided an update regarding the new Rangers righty.

Díaz, 29, was once an All-Star and widely considered one of the best young closers in the game. He had a spectacular rookie season for the Cincinnati Reds in 2022, posting 2.9 bWAR and a 1.84 ERA with 10 saves and 83 strikeouts across 63 2/3 innings. He experienced another successful season in 2023, making the National League All-Star Team and posting 1.9 bWAR and a 3.07 ERA with 37 saves and 86 strikeouts over 67 1/3 innings. Despite his success during his first two seasons, Díaz struggled to limit free passes, allowing 33 walks in 2022 and 36 in 2023.

Díaz, the younger brother of three-time All-Star closer Edwin Díaz, had a decent 2024 season, collecting 28 saves with a 3.99 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 56 1/3 innings. Walks were still an issue for Díaz in 2024, as he allowed 31 free passes.

Díaz regressed significantly last season, allowing eight earned runs on eight hits (four homers) and five walks across six innings with the Reds, who responded by optioning him to Triple-A Louisville on May 1. About four weeks later, the Reds traded the righty to the Los Angeles Dodgers for right-handed pitcher Mike Villani.

Díaz made just nine appearances for Los Angeles, allowing five earned runs on seven hits (two homers) and two walks across nine innings. After demoting and recalling Díaz several times, the Dodgers designated him for assignment in early September, and the Atlanta Braves claimed him. He surrendered three earned runs on no hits and five walks in 2 2/3 innings across three outings for Atlanta.

It's nice to hear the Rangers are encouraged by Díaz's progress this offseason. He has a nasty pitch mix and has proven he can be dominant on the mound when he's at his best. Hopefully, the Rangers are working with him on limiting walks, and it will lead to him becoming an All-Star closer again.