Lupica: Mets And Yankees Struggle To Find Elite Closers

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on Apr 23, 2025

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The Importance of a Dominant Closer in Baseball

In baseball, the ninth inning often dictates the outcome. A dominant closer, capable of consistently shutting down opposing offenses, is an invaluable asset. Statistics consistently show a strong correlation between strong bullpen performances, particularly from the closer, and team success. A closer's impact transcends simple wins and losses; it's about the intangible aspects of the game.

• Closers reduce game-ending stress: Knowing you have a reliable arm in the ninth provides a sense of security for the entire team.
• A strong closer boosts team morale and confidence: A consistently successful closer instills confidence throughout the lineup, impacting both offensive and defensive performances.
• Elite closers often contribute to playoff success: Postseason baseball is high-pressure, and having a go-to closer who can deliver in clutch situations is often the difference between victory and defeat. The ability to secure a save consistently elevates a team's overall playoff chances.

Analyzing the Mets' Closer Situation

The Mets' recent history with closers is a mixed bag. While they've had moments of brilliance, consistency has been elusive. The team has cycled through various closers in recent years, none quite achieving the sustained excellence needed to solidify the ninth inning. This inconsistent performance puts unnecessary pressure on the starting pitchers and the rest of the bullpen.

• Edwin Diaz's spectacular 2022 season was a bright spot, but prior to that the Mets struggled to find a consistent answer.
• The team’s strategy often involves trying to develop young talent into closers, which takes time and often doesn't pan out.
• A weakness persists in the overall bullpen depth. A lack of reliable options behind the closer leaves the Mets vulnerable if their primary closer falters.

Examining the Yankees' Closer Predicament

The Yankees' situation mirrors that of the Mets, albeit with some key differences. While the Yankees have often boasted strong starting pitching, their relief corps, especially the closer role, has been a source of concern. Their attempts to address the need for elite closers have met with varying degrees of success, underscoring the challenge of finding consistent excellence in this crucial role.

• Aroldis Chapman, for example, had both high points and significant struggles during his time in pinstripes, highlighting the volatility inherent in the closer position.
• The Yankees' scouting and player development strategy for closers needs re-evaluation. A more targeted approach, focusing on specific attributes critical for closing, is needed.
• Exploring potential trade or free agency targets is vital for the Yankees. Acquiring an established, proven closer could provide immediate stability.

The Broader Issue of Finding and Developing Elite Closers in MLB

The struggle to find and develop elite closers isn't unique to the Mets and Yankees. Across Major League Baseball, teams face similar challenges. Several factors contribute to this scarcity:

• Increased Specialization: The modern game emphasizes specialized roles, making it harder to find pitchers with the mental fortitude and physical skills to succeed in high-pressure, late-inning situations.
• Changes in Pitching Styles: The rise of analytics and advanced scouting has led to a shift in pitching approaches, making it more difficult to predict which pitchers will translate their skills into dominant closing performances.

Successful teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers demonstrate that a dedicated focus on developing and acquiring reliable relievers is crucial. The role of scouting and player development in identifying potential closers needs a more targeted strategy, considering not just raw talent but also psychological resilience and the ability to perform under pressure. Injuries and inconsistency also significantly impact closer performance, reinforcing the need for deep bullpen depth.

Conclusion

In summary, both the Mets and Yankees face a significant challenge in securing consistent, elite closers. This difficulty highlights a broader issue within MLB: the scarcity of pitchers possessing the necessary blend of skills, temperament, and durability to excel in this high-stakes role. A dominant closer is essential for postseason success, and the search for such a player remains paramount for both New York teams.

What do you think the Mets and Yankees should do to address their need for elite closers? Share your opinions in the comments section below! The search for elite closers remains a crucial challenge for both the Mets and Yankees, and the future of their seasons may depend on finding a solution.