Born: May 24, 1994
Hato Mayor, DR
Height: 6-3
Weight: 190
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: Not drafted
How Acquired: International
free agent (Dec. 2014)

Photo milb.com

SoxProspects.com Links
Scouting Scratch: Ysla, Diaz, Bautista (10.12.15)
Scouting Scratch: Espinoza and V. Diaz (7.11.16)
Scouting Scratch: Fall Instructs Part One (9.27.16)
Trade Analysis: Scouting the pitching... (12.7.16)

Traded to Chicago (AL) with Luis Alexander Basabe, Michael Kopech, and Yoan Moncada for Chris Sale (December 2016)

Physical Description: Solid pitcher’s frame, with not much physical projection left. Looks bigger than listed size.

Mechanics: High three-quarters arm slot. Starts on the third base side of the rubber, with his hands set at the belt and no wind-up. Has effort in his delivery, including a head whip.

Fastball: 96-98 mph. Elite velocity, tops out at 100+ mph. Pitch has late life and arm-side run. Type of fastball that will play at any level if he can harness the pitch and show command and control. Potential plus-plus offering.

Slider: 91-93 mph. Inconsistent feel. At its best will show two-plane movement and late, hard bite. Really improved as the 2016 season went on. Will flash plus in some outings, but below-average in others. If he can lock in his release point and find consistenty with the pitch has the makings of a true out pitch at the big league level.

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Changeup: 90-92 mph. Work in progress, but also showed improvment as the 2016 season went on. Slows arm slightly on pitch and doesn't have much feel or confidence in it, using it sparingly. Will flash average-to-better at its best. Participated in 2015 and 2016 Fall Instructional League.

Summation: Stuff profiles in a late-inning reliever role, but very far away. Lottery ticket at this point with an elite fastball, well below-average breaking ball, and well below-average control. With the premium on late-inning relievers with velocity, Diaz is an intriguing prospect, especially if he can take strides with his secondary offerings and become a more complete pitcher.