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Who Will Be the New York Yankees’ Closer in 2015?

By Lou Musto

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Gone are Mariano Rivera and his one-year “replacement” David Robertson. The New York Yankees need a closer. Whomever they choose will be their fourth different closer in four years (Rivera was hurt for all of 2012).

Fortunately for New York, this might be a good problem to have with a number of capable arms on hand. There is not a bullpen in baseball a strong as the Yankees and no matter who is the closer, they’ll be set up well with the guys who pitch in relief before them.

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That outstanding bullpen is sealed by the spectacular prowess of Dellin Betances and free-agent acquisition Andrew Miller. Those two men are the most likely to combat for the Yankees’ open closer job, with both having strong case to make for why they should be “the guy” to shut opponents down in the ninth inning.

Miller is an eight-year veteran with stints in Detroit, Miami, Boston and Baltimore. During that time, he has recorded just one save, but has become one of the most reliable relievers over the last three seasons.

In his last 163 games, he has posted a 2.57 ERA with 202 strikeouts in 133.1 innings pitched. He received the biggest contract for a relief pitcher this offseason as a result, and it’s clear the Yankees are banking on him delivering when they need him to.

Betances, meanwhile, was one of the best relievers in baseball a season ago, putting together a historic campaign in his rookie year as a member of the Yankees. The 26-year-old has to have the edge on Miller on resume alone, even if he has just one season to his name.

The 2014 All Star finished 5-0 with one save and a 1.40 ERA. He struck out a 135 batters in 90 innings pitched, a record for Yankee relievers (yes, even better than Mo himself). Primarily pitching in the eighth inning, Betances proved he can handle the late-game pressures and deliver without even breaking a sweat.

The Yankee faithful seem to be completely behind Betances, citing him as the next potential long-term fix at closer much like Rivera was from 1997-2013. There is nothing fans love more than homegrown heroes. Betances has shown he could be that guy.

For the Yankees it comes down to what they value more. An established presence like Miller, or a young, talented Betances with unlimited potential as a closer. And while Miller might put a valiant effort this spring, and Adam Warren might have an outside shot, it’s hard to imagine anyone but Betances closing games for the Yankees in 2015.

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