AXEL DIAZ
RIGHT HANDED PITCHER
Born: March 14, 1991
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 170
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Signed: Int’l FA, Pittsburgh Pirates, 2011
How Acquired: Int’l Free Agent
Country: Dominican Republic
Agent: N/A

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES
Diaz signed with the Pirates at a later age than most Latin American prospects.  In 2012 he was throwing in the upper-80s, reaching 91, with a curve and change.  In camp he was hitting 92-93.  He throws from a 3/4 arm slot.

2011
DSL:  1-0-0, 18.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 1.0 IP, 9.0 BB/9, 9.0 K/9

Diaz pitched very briefly in the DSL.  In case you’re wondering about the ERA, he allowed two baserunners, on a walk and a hit batsman, and they both scored.

2012
R:  1-1-0, 4.81 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 39.1 IP, 4.1 BB/0, 7.3 K/9

Diaz spent 2012 in the rotation in the GCL, which shows that the Pirates think he’s at least potentially a prospect.  He pitched decently, considering his lack of experience.

Diaz could move up to the New York-Penn League or return to the GCL in 2013.
STATS
Baseball Reference–Minors
Fangraphs
MiLB.com
CONTRACT INFORMATION
2013: Minor league contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 2011
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2017
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: 2014
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: N/A
TRANSACTIONS
April 16, 2011: Signed as an international league free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates.