February 27, 2017
Chicago White Sox – As of right now, the White Sox still have David Robertson as their closer. However, with the White Sox in rebuilding mode, Robertson has been the subject of trade rumors. Nate Jones and Dan Jennings, Chicago’s primary seventh and eighth inning men from last year, will return in 2017. Jones had stellar numbers last season, as he finished with 80 Ks in 70.2 innings and a WHIP of 0.89, and should take over as closer if Robertson is dealt. Another name to keep in the back of your mind is Zack Burdi, who is seen as the closer of the future.
Starting 2017 hierarchy: Robertson | Jones | Jennings.
Holds candidates: Jones, Jennings.
Cleveland Indians – Indians manager Terry Francona used his bullpen masterfully during the playoffs last year, and it almost ended with a World Series title. Cody Allen has already been named the closer going into 2017, which leaves Andrew Miller to be used in high-leverage situations prior to the ninth inning. Bryan Shaw, who was the primary set-up man before Miller was acquired last season, will also see time in the later innings. Lefty Boone Logan signed this offseason, and he should be a good source of holds considering how much Francona likes to play the match-ups late in the game.
Starting 2017 hierarchy: Allen | Miller | Shaw.
Holds candidates: Miller, Shaw, Boone Logan.
Detroit Tigers — The Detroit bullpen is a big question mark heading into this season. Francisco Rodriguez, the league’s active saves leader, will once again close. Bruce Rondon ended up leading the team in WHIP after getting called up in June, and he will have the opportunity to prove he can do it for a full season in 2017. Justin Wilson was up and down in his first year in Detroit, but should see time in the seventh and eighth innings again to start this season. Keep an eye on Joe Jimenez, who is a young, hard-throwing closer in waiting.
Starting 2017 hierarchy: Rodriguez | Rondon | J. Wilson.
Holds candidates: Rondon, Justin Wilson, Alex Wilson.
Kansas City Royals – Wade Davis was traded in December, and all of a sudden the dominant bullpen trio of Greg Holland, Wade Davis, and Kelvin Herrera (HDH) that helped the Royals win a World Series just two years ago, was down to just one H. Herrera saved 12 games last year, and he should continue the Royals’ recent tradition of stellar closers. Veteran Joakim Soria will look to bounce back from a down year in 2016, which saw him rack up eight losses and eight blown saves. Young lefty Matt Strahm is projected as a starter long-term, but after pitching well in relief last season, he will start 2017 in the bullpen.
Starting 2017 hierarchy: Herrera | Soria | Strahm.
Holds candidates: Soria, Strahm.
Minnesota Twins — The Twins’ bullpen was bottom five in the league in ERA last year, and they may start 2017 with a similar set of relievers. All-Star Glen Perkins missed most of last season, and could start this season on the disabled list. Brandon Kintzler filled in for Perkins last year and will close again until Perkins is ready to reclaim the job. The Twins could still add a veteran reliever, but for now, they are expected to lean on Ryan Pressly and Taylor Rogers again.
Starting 2017 hierarchy: Kintzler | Pressly | Rogers.
Holds candidates: Pressly, Rogers.
