The 2024 MLB season promises another year of thrilling finishes, and at the heart of those late-game nail-biters are the closers. These specialists of the ninth inning carry the weight of the game on their shoulders, tasked with shutting the door on the opposition and securing victory for their team.
MLB Closer Depth Chart 2024
Familiar Faces and Rising Stars: Examining the Top Contenders
The closer role has evolved in recent years, with managers increasingly employing a more fluid approach to late-game situations. However, the value of a reliable arm to close out games remains paramount. Let’s take a look at some of the top contenders for the closer role heading into the 2024 season:
Established Veterans:
- Liam Hendriks: After battling back from health challenges, Hendriks will be looking to reclaim his spot as one of the league’s most dominant closers. His devastating slider and fiery competitiveness make him a force to be reckoned with in the ninth inning.
- Edwin Díaz: Known for his electric fastball and devastating slider, Díaz is a strikeout machine who can single-handedly shut down opposing lineups.
- Josh Hader: A master of deception with his unorthodox delivery, Hader consistently ranks among the league leaders in strikeouts and saves.
Emerging Arms:
- Jhoan Duran: Possessing a fastball that touches triple digits and a wipeout slider, Duran has the raw stuff to be an elite closer.
- Camilo Doval: Doval’s high-octane fastball and improving secondary pitches make him a thrilling young arm with the potential to dominate in the ninth inning.
- Andrés Muñoz: Another flamethrower with a devastating slider, Muñoz has the arsenal to develop into a lockdown closer.
The Importance of Closer Depth: Navigating the Long Season
While having a reliable closer is essential, building a strong bullpen requires depth. Injuries, performance fluctuations, and strategic decisions necessitate a range of options for managers to consider when the game is on the line.
- The Setup Role: The bridge to the closer is crucial, and teams with reliable setup relievers have a significant advantage. These pitchers are often called upon in high-leverage situations in the seventh or eighth inning, setting the stage for the closer.
- Multi-Inning Arms: The rise of the multi-inning reliever adds another dimension to bullpen construction. These pitchers can provide valuable length in close games, potentially shortening the game and easing the burden on the closer.
The Future of Closing: Adapting to a Changing Game
As the game of baseball continues to evolve, so too will the role of the closer. The increasing use of analytics, the focus on high-leverage situations over defined roles, and the emergence of new pitching talent will continue to shape how teams approach the ninth inning. One thing is certain: the drama and excitement provided by those final three outs will remain a constant in the world of baseball.