With all the closer changes so far this season, it’s easy to see the value in owning guys who are first in line. But while it’s always nice to have a new closer, wouldn’t it be even better to get the next dominant one? Back in 2012, Greg Holland was first in line to saves for the Royals, behind Jonathan Broxton. After the Royals traded Broxton, Holland stepped in and solidified himself as a top-five closer over the next several seasons. Who could be the next Greg Holland?
Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays — McGee is a little different than the other guys on this list since he closed for a while last year, and could even see save chances right now, in a committee with Brad Boxberger. Still, with McGee coming back from injury, and coming off a rough outing, this seemed like a good time to talk about him. McGee was an elite reliever last year, striking out 90 batters to go along with an ERA under 2 and a WHIP under 1. He gave up a grand slam on Tuesday to raise his ERA over 8.00 in limited appearances this season. McGee’s strikeout numbers are still there (6 in 3.1 innings), and in his first three appearances he only gave up one hit. If Boxberger gets hurt or starts to struggle, McGee could take the job and run with it.
Carson Smith, Seattle Mariners — Smith is probably the least well-known reliever on this list, but some people think he should take over as the Mariners closer right now. Called up in September last year, Smith impressed in limited action, giving up only five baserunners in 8.1 innings. Smith has continued to dominate hitters this season, giving up 9 hits while striking out 24 in 21 IP. With over 40 saves in his minor league career, Smith has shown the ability to close out games, and should be a guy to watch the rest of this season.
Ken Giles, Philadelphia Phillies — When Ken Giles joined the Phillies last year in June, he gave up a run in his first appearance. It took almost a month and a half before he gave up another one. He finished 2014 with 64 strikeouts in 45.2 innings, good enough to rank him in the top 15 in K/9 among relief pitchers with more than 40 IP. Giles has not been as dominant this year, but he’s still striking out about a batter per inning. It’s no secret that the Phillies would like to trade their current closer, Jonathan Papelbon, and if that happens, Giles could step right in and be a lights-out closer.
Dellin Betances, New York Yankees — Remember when Dellin Betances was supposed to be the Yankees’ closer this season after David Robertson left? Andrew Miller had a little something to say about that, but that hasn’t stopped Betances from remaining one of the best relievers in the game. Betances has yet to allow an earned run in 26 innings so far this season, and his 41 strikeouts lead all relievers. Although he wasn’t able to capitalize on Robertson’s departure early this season, he still looks like a guy who could be one of the best fantasy closers in baseball if he can get the full-time gig.
Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals – Let’s finish up with the guy who’s currently pitching behind the example we mentioned at the top. Like Betances, Wade Davis has yet to allow an earned run this season, and has only given up 8 hits in 20 innings. He also has 7 saves from when closer Greg Holland was hurt earlier this season. Davis’s strikeout numbers aren’t as good as some of the other guys listed above, but he is still at almost one per inning, and he finished last season with over 100 Ks.
