The only Cincinnati Reds All-Star for 2023 is Alexis Diaz.

Despite leading the National League’s Central division, the Cincinnati Reds will only have one player representing them in next week’s All-Star game. Alexis Diaz will be that player’s closer.

It will be difficult for a Reds player to defeat someone in the fan voting. Simply put, Reds fans aren’t as numerous as Cubs, Dodger, or Braves supporters. To be voted into the game by supporters, a Cincinnati player will need to be unquestionably superior to the others at their position—possibly by a significant margin. However, fans do not vote for pitchers. The players in reserve positions aren’t either.

Although it is arguable that a few of Cincinnati’s position players ought to have made the squad, it is also understandable why they were left off. Although Matt McLain has been excellent, his call-up was delayed until mid-May. Both TJ Friedl and Spencer Steer have been on the team the entire season, and they have both produced impressive results. The outfield position is deep. Steer may or may not have benefited from his movements. He doesn’t stick out at a particular position, but his versatility as a player also can’t be a drawback.

But there was one instance where there was no disagreement: with Alexis Diaz. This season, he has a 23-for-24 record when it comes to saves for the Reds. His record is 3-1. He has struck out 58 batters while only giving up 19 hits and one home run in his 37.0 innings pitched. He has performed about as well as a reliever can, and this is after a season that might have been even better if he hadn’t recorded as many saves. When compared to his positional peers, Diaz is unquestionably the best option if Cincinnati is forced to field just one player.