Kansas City Royals: The four best closer options
By David Hill
The Kansas City Royals bullpen is in a state of flux. But finding a consistent option for the ninth inning could help the rest of the relief corps find their way in 2019.
Plenty of words have been typed regarding the Kansas City Royals bullpen issues in 2018. Those woes were a major part of their horrendous showing last year, as the Royals bullpen posted an ERA better than only the Marlins. Kansas City knew they would be taking a step back last year, and the midseason trade of Kelvin Herrera only made a weak bullpen even worse.
During the Royals heyday in the middle of the decade, the bullpen was a weapon, a difference maker that led to consecutive World Series appearances. Led by the bullpen Cerberus of Herrera, Wade Davis, and Greg Holland, the Royals were able to shorten games behind a makeshift rotation. Even the less heralded relievers, such as Luke Hochevar and Jason Frasor, were instrumental in that success.
For the Royals to rebuild that bullpen, and to turn it into the weapon it once was, they need to find the right roles for the pitchers on their staff. Of those roles, the most important may be the closer position. Chances are, the Royals are not going to win by dramatically outscoring their opponents, making that ability to protect a close lead all the more important.
Who ends up as the Kansas City Royals closer? Let us take a look at some of the best options currently on the roster.