Los Angeles Angels: Closer options for the 2018 season
By Anthony Sosa
One of the strengths of the 2017 Los Angeles Angels team was its bullpen. Although the club didn’t have a definitive closer all season. Who could man the closer’s role in 2018?
The Los Angeles Angels weren’t supposed to compete in 2017, but they battled until late September before finally being eliminated from playoff contention. One of the main reasons the Angels stayed in the playoff picture for so long was because of the success of their bullpen.
The Angels injury-riddled starting rotation led to the team’s relievers seeing the field a lot in 2017. Angels relievers pitched 569 innings last season, which ranked eighth most in baseball. Their 3.92 ERA and .240 batting average against both ranked 11th.
Usually, a good bullpen consists of a dominant closer. The Angels didn’t have that in 2017, despite recording 43 saves, ninth most in baseball.
Manager Mike Scioscia ran the ninth inning with more of a closer by committee approach. Eight different relievers recorded a save for the Angels last season. The eight include Bud Norris (19), Blake Parker (9), Cam Bedrosian (6), Yusmeiro Petit (4), Keynan Middleton (3), Jose Alvarez (1), David Hernandez (1) and Eduardo Paredes (1).
Heading into the 2018 season, Parker, Bedrosian, Middleton, Alvarez, and Paredes remain on the team.
Petit, who was one of the most underrated relievers in 2017, hit free agency after the season ended. He signed a two-year, $10 million with the Oakland A’s on Nov. 30.
The Los Angeles Angels also bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Jim Johnson from the Atlanta Braves on Dec. 1.
Assuming Scioscia won’t use a closer by committee role in 2018, let’s look at who could take over as the Angels main closer next season.