D-backs Fans Weigh In: Who Should Be the Closer This Season?

In a recent poll, fans rallied around Ryne Nelson as their pick for the Opening Day starter, but the results for the closer role tell a different story. With Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk currently sidelined, the D-backs are in search of a reliable option to finish games. The absence of these key pitchers has opened the door for several candidates, although the fan response suggests uncertainty about who can step up in high-pressure situations.

The poll results revealed a lack of overwhelming support for any single candidate, with none of the five options, including the veteran choice of “Other,” garnering more than thirty percent of the votes. The top three candidates received between 20% and 26%, indicating that while fans have preferences, there’s no clear frontrunner. A special shoutout goes to Mrs. Jameson for her enthusiastic participation in the voting.

Surprisingly, Jonathan Loaisiga, a non-roster invitee to spring training, emerged as the leading choice among fans. Despite not being on the 40-man roster or holding a major league contract, his performance could still position him for high-leverage situations. Last year, Shelby Miller found himself in a similar predicament and ultimately became the closer, leading the Diamondbacks in saves despite a modest history in that role prior to the season.

To better understand the candidates, a comparison of their stats reveals critical insights. Each contender’s number of relief appearances, career saves, and ERA+ from last year were compiled. This data highlights the varying levels of experience among the candidates, from Ryan Thompson’s 41.1 innings to Drey Jameson’s scant three. Jameson’s limited experience—only 68 major league innings, with half as a starter—likely contributed to his poor showing in the poll.

As the season approaches, it’s worth noting that this will mark the eighth season for Scott McGough in the majors, tying the franchise record. He ranks second among the candidates in relief appearances and saves, though he still trails Paul Sewald significantly in both categories. Despite Sewald’s experience, his performance has been below average, as reflected in his ERA+. However, he has shown increased velocity this spring, which could play a role in his effectiveness.

As the D-backs head into the season, it seems likely that manager Torey Lovullo may opt for a closer-by-committee approach. With all the candidates being right-handed, this strategy could limit match-up opportunities in late innings. Nevertheless, the lack of a clear “go-to” option might allow Lovullo to avoid the pitfalls of sticking too closely to a favorite, giving him the flexibility to adapt based on performance. The coming weeks will clarify how this situation unfolds for the Diamondbacks.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.