Jairo Diaz

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Colorado Rockies #19 prospect in 2016
  Signed as a catcher in 2007 by the Angels, Diaz moved to the mound in 2010 and made a quick jump to the majors in 2014 after starting the season at high Class A Inland Empire. The Rockies acquired him for shortstop Josh Rutledge in December 2014 and kept him at Triple-A Albuquerque for most of the 2015 season to work on his fastball command. Walks have been an issue for Diaz throughout his pro career--he walked 37 in 55 Triple-A innings in 2015--but he showed progress late in the year. Diaz earned a big league callup in late August and quickly found himself in a late-inning bullpen role for the Rockies, striking out 18 and walking six in 19 innings. His double-plus fastball averaged 97 mph in 2015, and he touched 100, generating groundballs at an elite rate. He pairs his fastball with a hard, downwardbiting slider that sits around 90 mph and is an effective strikeout pitch when he locates it. He has a changeup in his arsenal as well, but he rarely throws it. The key for Diaz has been, and will continue to be, harnessing his command. He showed dominant flashes in the majors and could be a key high-leverage reliever--or potential closer--in 2016.
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  Ranked Colorado Rockies #15 prospect in 2015
  If the flame-throwing Diaz looks like a pitcher in a catcher's body, that's because he spent the first two years of his career behind the plate. An anemic bat coupled with a strong arm prompted a move to the mound in 2010. His triple-digit fastball and nasty slider carried him all the way to Anaheim in 2014, and the Rockies grabbed him in a December trade for Josh Rutledge. Diaz shortened his arm action significantly last year, adding deception, helping him repeat his delivery and producing better velocity. His powerful delivery has effort as he turns his hip toward third base and then explodes toward the hitter. His plus-plus fastball sits 97-98 mph and hits 100 at times, though it has below-average life and Diaz will need to command it better. His hard slider sits at 87-90 mph and is a true out pitch when it's on. He has a changeup with split action, but he uses it infrequently. Diaz made incredible strides in 2014, and the Rockies will look for him to earn a spot in the big league bullpen out of spring training.