Seattle Mariners closer – An outside the box option
Develop a successor
Signing a closer from the outside would have a trickle-down effect. Yohan Ramirez just finished his first season in the Majors. He can be the eighth-inning setup man. That way, he continues to work on his craft and pitch command. While also mixing in for the occasional save and high-pressure situation.
Having a veteran closer also puts less pressure on fireballer Andres Munoz to rush his rehab. The Mariners have a gem with his live arm, and they want to bring him back slowly. Then when ready, Munoz can let it rip. He’s the Seattle Mariners closer of the future. By signing someone to fill that role now, Munoz can reach his potential a year or two down the road.
I’ll admit signing Archer to be the closer may be a long shot. Other teams may want him to start. There’s also the fact that it’s not easy to convert a major league starter into a major league closer. The only two that come to the top of my head are Ian Kennedy and Hall of Famer John Smoltz. Starting pitchers like a routine and get used to the mental preparation for their turn in the rotation. A reliever, especially a closer, means they have to mentally prepare every day because they could make an appearance.
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What do you think about the Seattle Mariners converting a starting pitcher to a closer? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.