Seattle Mariners next great closer is already in the organization
Scott Servais, Seattle Mariners.
A Seattle Mariners trip to the World Series in 2021 is highly unlikely. However, they could be AL West contenders if not champions. First, the M’s have a few items they need to take care of before any title talk starts.
One of the biggest holes the Seattle Mariners must fill is a steady closer. It’s been a while since the M’s could turn a lead over to their closer and put the ninth inning on autopilot. Seattle hasn’t had that type of pitcher since they traded away Edwin “Sugar” Diaz before the 2019 season. The way the deal has worked out so far, no Seattle Mariners fan will be upset about it, provided Jarred Kelenic pans out the way everyone thinks he’s capable of doing.
Last year, the M’s converted a respectable 65 percent of save opportunities. Due to injuries and trades, they had a revolving door of late-inning pitchers. Matt Magill finished 2019 as the team’s closer. He was expected to reclaim the role last year, but Camas, Washington native Taylor Williams, beat him out in July camp. By the time Williams was traded, Magill developed arm problems and couldn’t get the job back. That left manager Scott Servais with a “closer by committee.” It’s not a situation they want to repeat in 2021.
So, how does Emerald City’s favorite baseball team rectify this issue?
Top-notch closers are like dominant starting pitchers. They don’t grow on trees or hit the free agent market very often. When those types of pitchers do hit the open market, they tend to be very expensive.
There are options, and they start at home. Fortunately, the Seattle Mariners have two possibilities on their roster Yohan Ramirez and Andres Munoz.