The Marlins had one of the busiest trade deadlines this season. They traded multiple pitchers, including their all-star closer Tanner Scott. Scott was traded to the San Diego Padres; the Marlins received four prospects. Before his trade, Scott took on the role of closer for the Fish and was dominant in this position. He recorded 18 saves and had a 1.18 ERA in 44 games.
The Padres are reportedly in agreement to acquire LHP Tanner Scott from the Marlins.
Scott, selected to the All-Star Game this season, has a 1.18 ERA in 45.2 IP this season. pic.twitter.com/vwxg6fZOcR
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 30, 2024
Since the Marlins traded Scott, the closer position has been up in the air. They have used a combination of three guys: Anthony Bender, Andrew Nardi, and Calvin Faucher. Which one of these players could be the best fit as a closer for the Marlins?
Possible Options for the Marlin’s Closer Position
LHP Andrew Nardi
Left-handed pitcher Andrew Nardi is in his third season with the Marlins and has been one of their best relief pitchers. In 2023, he pitched in 63 games and had a 2.67 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, 3 saves, and 73 strikeouts in 57.1 innings. Although his numbers are not as good as they were in 2023, this season, he still is one of the Marlins’ better pitchers. So far this season, he has pitched in 56 games and has a 4.91 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, and 66 strikeouts in 47.2 innings. He has recently been used twice this season as a closer but has failed to earn any saves. Nardi utilizes a four-seam fastball that hits the mid-90s and a slider. If he begins to pitch as he did last season, he could be a serious frontrunner for the closer position.
RHP Anthony Bender
Right-handed pitcher Anthony Bender has been with the Marlins since 2021. He has mostly served as a relief pitcher. Bender did not play last season due to Tommy John surgery and an injury to his hip. In his first season back, he pitched in 50 games and has a 4.00 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 4 saves, and 50 strikeouts in 45 innings. The right uses a sinker that reaches the mid-90s and consistently uses a sweeper and fastball. Despite Bender’s ERA being high, he seems to have a lot of experience at closing, and his arm is not as worn out due to him missing last season. He looks like a great fit for the closer position.
Anthony Bender’s sinker was electric last night, averaging 96 MPH with fantastic movement, winning our Relief Pitcher Pitch of the Day.
Just don’t go look at his line and enjoy this video instead. pic.twitter.com/Jsf9AI1bRl
— Baseball Prospectus (@baseballpro) August 11, 2024
RHP Calvin Faucher
Right-handed pitcher Calvin Faucher is currently in his first year with the Marlins. He previously spent the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. So far this year with the Marlins, Faucher has pitched in 44 games and had a career-best 3.22 ERA, a 1.46 WHIP, 2 saves, and 49 strikeouts. Those two saves are the only ones recorded after Scott was traded. The righty utilizes a sinker that is in the mid-90s, a cutter in the low-90s, and a sweeper. He seems to have a lot of potential and looks to be the frontrunner to be the Marlins next closer.
Calvin Faucher delivers a much-needed scoreless ninth and gives his offense a shot to walk this thing off against Robert Suárez.
Due up for Miami: Stowers, López, Bruján
8-8, M9 pic.twitter.com/P8bUs8dhE0
— Nate Karzmer (@NateKarzmer) August 10, 2024
The Marlins season has, for obvious reasons, not gone their way. Hopefully, one of these players mentioned can develop to be a lights-out closer and help the franchise’s future.
Main Photo Credits: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
