The Tampa Bay Rays are in a bind, searching for a new closer after a surprising departure. The hunt for a replacement is on, but who will step up to the plate?
In recent years, the Rays have had a revolving door of closers, with Manager Kevin Cash overseeing seven different saves leaders in eight seasons. The only exception was Alex Colome, who led the team in back-to-back seasons (2016-2017). Enter Pete Fairbanks, who took the reins as the full-time closer in 2023, accumulating an impressive 75 saves over three seasons. But the Rays' decision to let him go has left a significant gap in their bullpen.
Fairbanks, a right-hander, was on track to become one of the franchise's all-time saves leaders, but the Rays declined his $11 million option, allowing him to sign with the Marlins for $13 million. Now, the Rays must find a new closer, and it's likely they'll look within their organization, known for developing solid relievers.
Edwin Uceta is a prime candidate, having served as the primary high-leverage righty behind Fairbanks last season. He led the bullpen in innings and tied for the team lead in holds, but his home run allowance is a concern. Uceta's propensity to give up fly balls to the pull side is a scary trait for a closer, and this could be a deal-breaker.
Griffin Jax, acquired at the trade deadline, was expected to be the future closer. He had a successful stint as a setup man in Minnesota and even forced a timeshare in 2024, earning 10 saves. However, his transition to Tampa Bay has been rocky, with a high ERA and home run allowance. But here's where it gets controversial: Jax's advanced metrics suggest he was unlucky, and his strong finish to the season might indicate a turnaround.
Garrett Cleavinger, an honorable mention, is listed as a closer on FanGraphs' depth chart. His high-leverage work last season is impressive, but being the only left-handed reliever on the roster significantly diminishes his chances.
Bryan Baker, acquired from the Orioles, showed promise with a high strikeout rate. However, he struggled with allowing hard hits and barrels, which could limit his role to middle innings unless he can make adjustments.
Hunter Bigge, acquired in 2024, has the raw talent to be a future closer with his premium velocity and wipeout slider. But injuries have plagued his career, and his recovery timeline is uncertain. Bigge's potential is undeniable, but his availability for the upcoming season is a question mark.
The Rays' closer replacement is a complex puzzle. While Uceta and Jax are the front-runners, their flaws could be detrimental in high-pressure situations. Baker and Bigge offer potential, but they need to overcome their respective challenges. And this is the part most people miss: the Rays' decision to let Fairbanks go might have been a gamble, but it could also be an opportunity to develop a new, dominant closer from within. Who do you think should be the Rays' next closer? Is it an internal candidate, or should they look elsewhere? Share your thoughts and let's spark a baseball debate!
