Seattle Mariners Top 5 Candidates for 2020 closer role
Dan Altavilla, Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners had several relievers fighting for the closer job at spring training. We handicap the race.
Finding a new closer wasn’t a big priority for the Seattle Mariners this spring. After all, 2020 was supposed to be a rebuilding year. Now that the expected start to the season is somewhere between late July to early August, the M’s need to make some modifications to their original plans.
A shortened season with fewer regular-season games and expanded playoffs means the closer position will be more critical than earlier anticipated. Because 16 teams will make this year’s playoffs, the Mariners have a chance to be there for the first time since 2001.
So now, we look at each candidate.
Yoshihisa Hirano
The Mariners signed this Japanese import, as a free agent, during the off-season. He spent the last two years with the Arizona Diamondbacks, primarily as a setup man.
Yoshihisa Hirano had an excellent 2018 for Arizona, with an ERA of 2.44 in 75 games. Last season he struggled against MLB hitters much more than he did a year prior. As a result, his ERA nearly doubled. Seattle hopes with a change of scenery Hirano can repeat his 2018 season.
One thing working against him in the battle is that he hasn’t much success in closing out games in the Majors. The right-hander has blown nine of his 13 save opportunities.
Dan Altavilla
After four seasons riding the Seattle – Tacoma shuttle, the Mariners are ready for Dan Altavilla to reach his potential. The right-handed reliever has a good chance to make his case because of the expanded rosters. If Altavilla could put it all together, he would be a perfect closer. His fastball frequently trips the radar at 100 MPH, and he can mix in a good slider.
Altavilla’s chances are strong that he will be in the M’s bullpen, as long as he can stay healthy. If Altavilla can’t cut it, Seattle has to place him on waivers because the Mariners are out of minor league options on him. He would be quickly snapped up by another team just because of his potential. Control can be taught, throwing triple digits, can’t.
#ad Last night's @LibertyMutual Field Coverage player of the game was Yoshihisa Hirano. pic.twitter.com/Q24x5wETm3
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) July 4, 2018