RADIO
Brad Boxburger 2019 Outlook- Has Uncertain Role Leading Into 2019
6 years agoKansas City Royasls relief pitcher Brad Boxberger had 41 saves for the Rays in 2015, but had saved just three games in his other five seasons coming into 2018. With Archie Bradley in tow in Arizona, it appeared that, at a minimum, Boxberger was holding the closer's role warm for the fireballer. This may have come to fruition in 2019, as the Snakes let him go as a free agent.
While Bradley may be the future for the Snakes, Boxberger was the present in 2018 and saved 32 games while striking out 71 batters in 53 1/3 innings. Sadly, that ends the good things that we can say about the Box, as he walked 32 batters, allowed 44 hits, and continued his trend of allowing at least one home run per nine. His 4.39 ERA was even a bit lucky (he had a 4.55 FIP) and his 1.42 WHIP fully shows how questionable he was as a closer.
There is very little reason to consider Boxberger as a closer option for 2019, but, saves are still a category and the Royals may want to lean on Boxberger as the closer considering that they do not have too many viable options. This also assumes that Boxberger is the most reliable option to finish games in KC, which will likely not be the case, as Arizona let him go this winter after a poor season.
