Sam Dyson – 4.6%
Last year, Shawn Tolleson would have appeared on this type of an article, as Neftali Feliz struggled out of the gate. Tolleson performed well in a setup role, and took over the Rangers closer role last May. He performed well in that spot, and was the Rangers closer to start this season.
However, like last year, the Rangers closer is struggling. Tolleson leads the American League with nine saves, but he also has a 5.73 ERA and a 1.545 WHiP. These numbers do not exactly inspire confidence. With that in mind, setup man Sam Dyson may be about to usurp the role, just as Tolleson took the role on last year.
Dyson is not without his issues, having walked six batters in 13 innings of work. However, he has struck out eleven while allowing ten hits. Those control issues have been mitigated by an amazing 1.67 ground ball to fly ball rate, as his mid 90’s sinker has been devastating. With his ability to generate swings and misses, and his ability to get ground balls, Dyson could well find himself in that role sooner rather than later.
Sam Dyson would be a speculative pickup, but given the struggles that Shawn Tolleson has had thus far, he could end up as the Rangers closer in the near future.
Next: Someone has to close