The Cincinnati Reds have made a bold but calculated move, officially naming rookie flamethrower Luis Mey as their new closer moving forward. Despite having just 10.0 innings of Major League experience, the organization believes Mey’s overpowering velocity and raw talent make him the ideal candidate to anchor the bullpen—starting now.
Reds Set the Future in Motion
Team officials confirmed on Tuesday that Mey will step into the role previously held by veteran Emilio Pagán, who had filled in admirably while former closer Alexis Díaz struggled and was sent to Triple-A Louisville. But with the Reds looking toward the future, the front office and coaching staff unanimously agreed: the closer role now belongs to Mey.
“Luis has shown us everything we needed to see,” said manager Terry Francona. “The stuff is electric. The command is coming. We think he can handle it—and he’s ready for the moment.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Mey, who was added to the 40-man roster last offseason while still in High-A ball, has turned heads with his elite sinker averaging 98.7 mph—and occasionally topping 103.5 mph. Opponents are batting just .103 against his fastball, and his 32.5% strikeout rate ranks among the best on the team.
Though his command has been inconsistent—five walks in his first 10 big-league innings and a long history of control issues in the minors—the Reds believe his sheer velocity and movement give him the margin to grow into the role.
A Strategic Gamble with Big Upside
By moving forward with Mey as the closer, the Reds are signaling a shift toward building around young, high-upside arms. While Pagán posted solid numbers (12 saves, 3.52 ERA, 0.83 WHIP), the 34-year-old was always viewed as a stopgap. Now, with Mey officially taking over, Cincinnati is investing in its long-term bullpen future.
“It’s not without risk,” said Reds pitching coach Derek Johnson. “But when a guy has that kind of fastball and competes the way Luis does, you’ve got to give him the opportunity.”
The Post-Diaz Era Begins
With Alexis Díaz still working to rediscover his command in Triple-A, and no immediate timeline for his return, the Reds’ decision clears up the back end of their bullpen—at least for now. The move also signals confidence in a player who, just a year ago, was seen as a long-term project.
Now, that project has become the present.
Luis Mey is no longer just a prospect with promise. He’s the new closer for the Cincinnati Reds—and the team is betting he’s here to stay.
