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MLB: The Best Young Closers to Watch in 2017

By Tim Boyle

Aug 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Roberto Osuna (54) celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Roberto Osuna (54) celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) prepares to pitch during the ninth inning in game five of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) prepares to pitch during the ninth inning in game five of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

The closer job has become a very important one in Major League Baseball. In 2017, we will have a chance to see some great young MLB closers join the elite ninth inning men.

The closer’s job has become much more important in recent years. It is no longer a gig the best failed starter occupies. Often times MLB closers are bred for the role in the early stages of their professional career. Thankfully, when the 2017 seasons starts, we’ll also get to see a few young closers who seemed destined for the job take over and show the older gentlemen how well the kids handle the pressure, too.

Respect for closers is ever-changing. Trevor Hoffman is inching closer to the Hall of Fame. More well-known is New York Yankees’ legendary closer Mariano Rivera who will get into Cooperstown the first year he’s on the ballot.

It’s not just the closers of yesteryear gaining respect. One look at the contracts handed out to the top free agent closers this offseason shows how important they have become. Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen, and Mark Melancon all earned deals that years ago would have been unheard of for a guy whose job is to pitch one inning a night. Things aren’t about to change either. Closers are specialists in their field.

As the opinion of closers changes, so will the talent pool. Rather than seeing men take on the job because it’s all that’s left for them, younger pitchers should get their chance. We have already arrived at that point where several of the most interesting closers in baseball are younger arms including these three men poised to earn saves in 2017.

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