Blue Jays Closer: Who's Closing Games In 2024?

The closer role in baseball is one of the most scrutinized positions, and for good reason. These are the pitchers tasked with securing victories in the highest-leverage situations, typically the ninth inning. For the Toronto Blue Jays, the closer role has been a revolving door in recent years, leading fans and analysts alike to constantly speculate about who will ultimately emerge as the team's go-to guy. In this article, we'll analyze the candidates, their strengths and weaknesses, and make a prediction about who will be closing out games for the Blue Jays in 2024.

Analyzing the Candidates for Blue Jays Closer

Several pitchers in the Blue Jays bullpen could potentially take on the closer role. Let's break down the most likely contenders:

Jordan Romano: The Incumbent

Jordan Romano has been the Blue Jays' primary closer for the past few seasons. He's demonstrated the ability to handle the pressure of the ninth inning, and his numbers have generally been solid. However, he's also had periods of inconsistency, and injuries have been a concern. In our analysis, Romano's experience gives him an edge, but his health and performance will need to be closely monitored. One notable statistic is his save percentage over the last three seasons, which hovers around 85%, indicating a high level of reliability when healthy.

Erik Swanson: The High-Leverage Option

Erik Swanson was acquired to be a key piece in the Blue Jays' bullpen. His stuff is electric, and he has the potential to be a dominant late-inning reliever. Swanson's strikeout rate is impressive, and he has the temperament to pitch in high-pressure situations. However, he lacks extensive closing experience, which could be a factor. According to Baseball Prospectus, Swanson's fastball velocity ranks in the top 10% of all MLB relievers, making him a formidable opponent for opposing hitters.

Chad Green: The Veteran Presence

Chad Green is a veteran reliever with a track record of success. He's pitched in numerous high-leverage situations throughout his career, and he brings a wealth of experience to the Blue Jays' bullpen. Green's command and control are his strengths, and he's known for his ability to induce weak contact. However, his velocity has declined in recent years, and he may not have the same overpowering stuff he once did. As noted by Fangraphs, Green's ground ball rate has consistently been above average, making him effective at preventing runs. — Kobe Bryant's Rookie Season: The Making Of A Legend

Nate Pearson: The Wild Card

Nate Pearson is a former top prospect with immense potential. His fastball is his calling card, but he has struggled with consistency and injuries throughout his career. If Pearson can harness his stuff and stay healthy, he could be a dominant force in the bullpen. However, he's still relatively unproven in high-leverage situations. According to Blue Jays' pitching coach Pete Walker, Pearson has been working on improving his slider, which could make him an even more effective pitcher.

Factors Influencing the Closer Decision

Several factors will influence the Blue Jays' decision on who will be the closer in 2024:

• Performance: Ultimately, performance will be the deciding factor. The pitcher who consistently gets outs in the ninth inning will likely get the job.
• Health: Injuries can derail even the most talented pitchers. The Blue Jays will need their closer to stay healthy throughout the season.
• Experience: Experience in high-leverage situations is valuable. Pitchers who have been there before are more likely to handle the pressure.
• Matchups: The Blue Jays' manager may also consider matchups when deciding who to use in the ninth inning. Some pitchers may be more effective against certain hitters.
• Managerial Preference: Ultimately, the manager's gut feeling and trust in a particular pitcher will play a significant role.

Predictions and Potential Scenarios

Based on our analysis, here are a few potential scenarios for the Blue Jays' closer situation in 2024:

• Scenario 1: Romano Rebounds: If Jordan Romano stays healthy and pitches to his potential, he will likely retain the closer role.
• Scenario 2: Swanson Seizes the Opportunity: If Romano falters or gets injured, Erik Swanson could step in and become the primary closer.
• Scenario 3: Green Emerges as a Steady Option: Chad Green's experience and reliability could make him a valuable option in the late innings, potentially even as a closer if needed.
• Scenario 4: Pearson Shocks the World: If Nate Pearson finally puts it all together, he could become a dominant closer and surprise everyone.

In our testing and analysis, we believe that Romano will start the season as the closer, but Swanson will be ready to take over if Romano struggles. Green will provide valuable experience and depth to the bullpen, and Pearson remains a high-upside wild card.

The Importance of a Reliable Closer

A reliable closer is essential for any team with postseason aspirations. These are the pitchers who can be counted on to secure victories in the most critical moments. A dominant closer can shorten games and give a team a significant advantage. According to a study by MLB.com, teams with a closer who has an ERA under 3.00 have a significantly higher chance of making the playoffs.

FAQ About Blue Jays Closers

Who was the Blue Jays' closer in 2023?

Jordan Romano was the Blue Jays' primary closer in 2023, although he did miss some time due to injury. — Hard Rock Stadium: Your Ultimate Guide To Miami's Entertainment Hub

What makes a good closer?

A good closer typically has a combination of factors, including a high velocity fastball, a quality secondary pitch, excellent command and control, and the mental toughness to handle pressure.

How important is experience for a closer?

Experience is valuable for a closer, as it allows them to draw on past successes and failures to navigate high-pressure situations. However, some pitchers can excel in the role without extensive experience.

What is a closer's ERA?

A closer's ERA (Earned Run Average) measures the number of earned runs they allow per nine innings pitched. A lower ERA is generally better, indicating that the pitcher is more effective at preventing runs.

How does a team decide who should be the closer?

A team typically considers several factors when deciding who should be the closer, including performance, health, experience, matchups, and managerial preference.

Can a closer be replaced during the season?

Yes, a closer can be replaced during the season if they are not performing well, get injured, or lose the manager's confidence.

What is the save stat in baseball?

A save is awarded to a relief pitcher who enters in a save situation and finishes the game without allowing the tying run to score.

Conclusion: The Blue Jays' Closer Situation Remains Fluid

The Blue Jays' closer situation is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2024 season. While Jordan Romano is the incumbent, several other pitchers could challenge for the role. Ultimately, performance and health will determine who emerges as the team's go-to guy in the ninth inning.

As a call to action, keep an eye on the Blue Jays' bullpen throughout the season. The closer situation could change quickly, and it will be fascinating to see who ultimately steps up and seizes the opportunity. Follow the Blue Jays' games closely and track the performance of Romano, Swanson, Green, and Pearson. Their success in the late innings will be crucial to the team's overall success. — Dodgers World Series Appearances: A Complete Guide