Matt Barnes, Adam Ottavino The Top Closing Candidates
4 years agoBoston Red Sox manager Alex Cora admitted that his thoughts on closing out games has shifted to a more traditional approach from what it was a few years ago. Relievers Matt Barnes and Adam Ottavino are the top candidates to serve as the closer, and Cora would like to have a set closer by Opening Day. It's Barnes' job to lose after he had a 4.30 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with nine saves during the shortened 2020 season. But the right-hander will need to cut down on the walks -- he's had over a 13 percent walk rate the last two seasons -- if he wants to keep the job all year. Darwinzon Hernandez and Hirokazu Sawamura could also be options to pitch in the ninth inning if Barnes struggles in the role. Because the Red Sox haven't officially named Barnes as the guy, he's a low-end closing option worth taking in the final rounds of your draft.
Source: MLB.com - Ian Browne
Source: MLB.com - Ian Browne