Closer In Waiting Power Rankings: July 6, 2016:

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Are you someone constantly on the lookout for the next potential closer? That’s what we are trying to pinpoint here, with our Top 5 Closer In Waiting Power Rankings. These rankings look at the pitchers who appear capable of taking over their team’s respective closing duties (though in some cases, will need some help to get there). Keep in mind, if a pitcher is currently part of a committee they will not be included in these rankings despite not currently “holding” the job outright (for now we are leaving off the Tampa Bay situation)

Without further ado, let’s take a look at how things stand (all statistics are through Monday unless otherwise noted; previous ranking shown is from column on June 9):

1) Raisel Iglesias – Cincinnati Reds (1)
Current Closer – Tony Cingrani

Cingrani hasn’t done anything particularly wrong as of late, but he also hasn’t done anything to make us think that the Reds won’t make a change at the back of the bullpen.  He simply hasn’t stood out or seized his opportunity.

The team has eased Iglesias into his bullpen role, as he’s thrown 7.1 IP over four outings allowing 1 ER on 3 H and 3 BB, striking out 7.  He has yet to be shifted into a high leverage setup situation (instead being used in 2-3 inning spurts), but the time is going to come.  For his part, Iglesias appears to be taking to the role quite well and isn’t interested in moving back to the rotation, as CBS Sports recently published the following quote:

“I like coming in from the bullpen,” Iglesias said. “I want to be the closer.”

Cincinnati has no reason not to use him there, especially given the money they are paying him.  He clearly has the upside of a lights out option and by the end of July could easily be racking up saves.

2) Fernando Rodney – Miami Marlins (NR)
Current Closer – A.J. Ramos

The trade that sent Rodney to the Marlins was a bit of a surprise, but Miami is making it clear that they are going to be going for it in ’16.  That means that they may not have patience with anyone who isn’t doing their job, which will make it interesting to see how the back of the bullpen develops.

While Rodney struggled in his most recent outing, his trade to the Marlins may have ruffled the feathers of Ramos a bit.  He’s struggled in his past two outings (3 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 2.0 IP) and with someone as accomplished as Rodney (who was pitching like one of the best relievers in the game prior to the trade) pitching in front of him it may not take much.

3) Ryan Buchter – San Diego Padres (NR)
Current Closer – Brandon Maurer

With Fernando Rodney traded most people simply assumed that Buchter would get the first opportunity to fill the closer role.  That didn’t happen, but you would think that his opportunity wouldn’t be very far off.  It’s not like Maurer has been a lights out reliever this season (5.67 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) as he’s struggled with his control (4.08 BB/9) and home runs (1.36 HR/9).  Of course the control has been better (2 BB over 15.1 IP since June 1) and he’s allowed 1 HR over that span.  Things have improved, but it may not take much for him to get bumped.

As for Buchter he’s shown strikeouts (13.00 K/9), though you have to wonder how bloated that number is (10.3% SwStr%).  His control has also been an issue (4.75 BB/9), something that plagued him coming up through the minors (5.9 BB/9), and he is fastball dominant (83.3% of the time).  He’s been great this season and certainly belongs on radars, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to run with the role if he does get it.

4) Ryan Dull – Oakland A’s (NR)
Current Closer – Ryan Madson

With Sean Doolittle on the DL Dull has settled into the primary setup role and while it will likely take a trade to get him into the closers role, that’s a scenario that’s easy to envision.  He’s not a groundball pitcher (32.4%), but pitching in Oakland helps to alleviate any concerns there.  He’s also shown strikeout stuff (9.49 K/9) and pinpoint control (1.69 BB/9), something that he also showed coming up through the minor leagues (11.2 K/9, 2.1 BB/9).  His slider is his put away pitch (21.68% Whiff%) and as long as he’s keeping the ball in the ballpark, there’s little reason to think that he can’t thrive in the role.

5) Edwin Diaz – Seattle Mariners (NR)
Current Closer – Steve Cishek

Cishek has done the job overall, but he’s shown some cracks and benefited from a 90.3% strand rate and .221 BABIP.  It’s easy to envision him faltering and losing his job, with the former top prospect Diaz waiting in the wings.

Converted to the bullpen this season, Diaz has been lights out in the role.  In 15.1 IP he’s posted a 17.02 K/9 and 2.93 BB/9, utilizing a fastball that’s averaging 97.05 mph and a nearly unhittable slider (35.09% Whiff%, .125 BAA).  There’s little question that he has earned the closer of the future label, and with the Mariners looking to compete in ’16 they aren’t going to be afraid to push him into the role sooner rather than later.  He’s already progressed into the back of the bullpen, it’s just a matter of the opportunity presenting itself.

Dropped Off Rankings – Cory Gearrin (SF), Sean Doolittle (Oak), Michael Tonkin (Min), Luke Gregerson (Hou)

Others We’re Watching:

• Fernando Abad (Minnesota Twins)
• Cam Bedrosian (Los Angeles Angels)
• Tyler Clippard (Arizona Diamondbacks)
• Jake McGee (Colorado Rockies
• Adam Ottavino (Colorado Rockies) – He’d likely crack the Top 5 if healthy
• Edubray Ramos (Philadelphia Phillies)
• Fernando Rodney (Miami Marlins)
• Sergio Romo (San Francisco Giants)
• Trevor Rosenthal (St. Louis Cardinals)
• Will Smith (Milwaukee Brewers)

Source – Fangraphs, Baseball Reference, Brooks Baseball, CBS Sports

*** Are you still battling for your Fantasy Baseball Title? Make sure to purchase Rotoprofessor’s 2016 Mid-Season Draft Guide for just $4.50 to help!!  Click here for more details ***