Once again, the New York Yankees will ponder more heavily on a season-long debate that is now turning toxic: their closer role. This topic has been extremely controversial, now more than ever. The club may want to consider a contingency plan for the role and have an idea of who the new stopper could be.
Since the great Mariano Rivera, the Yankees could not come close to settling with a dependable arm to fill the closer role. Dellin Betances or Zack Britton could not cut it long-term. Aroldis Chapman was filled with high hopes, however his demeanor did not fit the clubhouse. Not to mention his command was a mess.
The Yankees’ current closer Clay Holmes has been struggling for long stretches the last two seasons. With hints of optimism, the right-hander may be at the end of his tenure in the closer role. At a minimum, in the interim, he may be sharing the title.
Yankees’ Clay Holmes is Pitching His Way Out of the Closer Role
Tuesday’s game against the Texas Rangers was the cherry on top of the Holmes saga. There’s not a ton to dissect here other than the fact that Holmes did not pitch well; he also endorsed that fact.
Clay Holmes has blown his 11th save opportunity of the season pic.twitter.com/is8X2ixzOt
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 4, 2024
Holmes’ pitching line says it all. He recorded ⅓ innings pitched, giving up two hits, four earned runs, two walks, and a home run. Unfortunately, the home run he let up was a walk-off grand slam off the bat of Wyatt Langford.
Interestingly enough, Holmes ranks tied for sixth of 30 closers in saves converted with 29. However, the number that really matters is 11 blown saves. This leads MLB and signals a need for a shakeup in the Yankees’ closer role.
How Do the Yankees Maneuver Save Situations Moving Forward?
We can’t dwell on the past, unfortunately. However, if we did, names such as Kenley Jansen, Craig Kimbrel, Pete Fairbanks, and Michael Kopech were all possible options for the role at the trade deadline. We must look forward to a more practical solution.
The Bronx Bombers are in a crucial time, chasing a division title, but also attempting to secure a high-seed wild card spot at least. Wins really matter in the month of September and the late innings of thin-ice games are not to be toyed with.
Options to Close That the Yankees Should Consider
Yankees manager Aaron Boone made clear that each night may look different with regards to the closer role, as wins are the priority. It goes without saying that Holmes is still a key part of the equation here, but the analytics and consistency will take precedence.
The club will have to consider availability first and foremost. This will be difficult, as the bullpen is managed day-by-day, and certain arms will be down while others will be available. The available pitchers on any given day will need to match up well against opposing hitters.
Luke Weaver is one name that the Yankees may consider. His 31 career relief wins along with a 1.1 average inning of work, and a competitive repertoire show he can succeed in certain scenarios. Right-handers Tommy Kahnle and Mark Leiter Jr. can be a platooned duo to work the back end of the game. Both pitchers can work a short game to accumulate outs.
It is also important to include a southpaw in the mix. Former Toronto Blue Jays lefty Tim Mayza may be the lefty to consider when the situation presents itself.
It will be all hands on deck for the Yankees to ensure the late-game stopper is appropriate and effective in securing wins as the team moves toward a postseason berth.
Photo Credit: © Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images
