According to the Cardinals front office, the Cardinals do not currently have a closer. Only a few months ago, Luke Gregerson was named the closer, but it now seems the Cards will go by committee in 2018.
Aaron Mullins on Twitter
Cardinals will reportedly not name a closer before season begins. Who do you think will be the closer in 2018? @ArchCityMedia @birdsonabatshow @101espn @101ESPNFastLane @TheTurn_101ESPN @FSRedbirdRants #STLCards
The Cardinals have a number of talented arms in the system that could turn into the closer. The general consensus among Cardinal fans is that of Dominic Leone who was acquired in exchange for Randal Grichuk. Leone has never been relied upon as a closer before, but in his time in the big leagues, he has impressed. Last season for Toronto, Leone was 3-0 with a 2.56 ERA over 70.1 innings. He had a 10.4 K/9 as opposed to a 2.9 BB/9. Leone also has been solid during the spring with a 1.13 ERA over 8 innings of work. He was also 3 of 3 in save opportunities.
Another name that continues to be mentioned in conversation is free agent Greg Holland. I for one am shocked that he is still available. He is a proven closer at the big league level and still has plenty of good years left. Last season he was elite except for the month of August. Some say that he was beginning to show signs of fatigue after coming off of Tommy John Surgery the year prior.
Personally, I’d love to see Greg Holland join the Cards, however I do believe that he is sticking to his guns and is holding out for a more lucrative contract, one that I don’t believe the Cardinals will match. The plan seems to fall under “closer by committee” for 2018. And that’s not a bad thing. Leone has shown over his career that he can become the closer that Cardinals are searching for. They also have guys like Lyons, Gregerson, and Tuivailala that could take over the role at some point as well.
What do you think. Who will be the Cardinals closer in 2018?
Thanks for reading!
Aaron M. Follow me on Twitter @AaronArchCity
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