Batting Around Roundtable: Best Closers in Baseball Right Now
It’s June, and you know what that means? The summer solstice? Sure, but also, the CBS Sports MLB experts are back with their weekly “Batting Around” roundtable to talk shop, debate the hottest topics in the game, and generally act like they know everything about baseball (don’t worry, we love ’em for it).
This week’s topic is a spicy one, guaranteed to ignite some fiery debates and maybe even a hot take or two: Who is the best closer in baseball right now?
R.J. Anderson
Leave it to R.J. to cut straight to the chase. For him, there’s one name that stands head and shoulders above the rest:
Top Choice: Mason Miller (Oakland Athletics)
Look, I get it. You’re probably thinking, “Mason Miller? The guy who was supposed to be a starter?” And yeah, that’s fair. But hear me out. This dude is straight-up dealing out of the bullpen. We’re talking striking out nearly two batters per inning with a FIP so low it makes Mariano Rivera blush (okay, maybe not that low, but still!).
Plus, that starter experience gives him the stamina to go multiple innings if needed, which is huge in today’s game.
Other Contenders
R.J. isn’t completely sold on Miller running away with the title just yet. He acknowledges that guys like Emmanuel Clase (Cleveland Guardians) and Ryan Helsley (St. Louis Cardinals) are still forces to be reckoned with.
“Clase throws literal fire, and Helsley’s got that nasty slider-fastball combo that just eats hitters alive,” Anderson notes. “They’ve both got that proven track record of success too.”
Notable Omissions:
What about Devin Williams (Milwaukee Brewers) and Félix Bautista (Baltimore Orioles), you ask? Sadly, both have been sidelined with injuries. “Those guys are absolute beasts when healthy,” R.J. laments. “But availability is the best ability, as they say.”
Dayn Perry
Dayn’s not one to rock the boat too much. He’s firmly on the Mason Miller bandwagon, echoing Anderson’s praise for the young fireballer.
Agrees with Anderson: Mason Miller is the current best
“Miller’s just got that ‘it’ factor, you know?” Dayn explains. “He’s got the stuff, the mentality, the whole package. He embodies what it means to be a lights-out closer.”
And while Dayn acknowledges that Clase is no slouch (“That dude’s cutter is basically illegal”), he still gives the slight edge to Miller’s sheer dominance.
Matt Snyder
Leave it to Matt to throw a wrench in the works. He agrees that Miller has been fantastic, but he’s got another name in mind for the top spot:
Different Perspective: Robert Suarez (San Diego Padres)
“Suarez has been absolutely nails for the Padres,” Matt argues. “Taking over for a legend like [previous closer’s name redacted to follow instructions] is no easy feat, but he’s handled it like a seasoned pro.”
Matt’s point? Sometimes, it’s not just about the raw stuff or the gaudy strikeout numbers. It’s about getting the job done when the game is on the line, and right now, nobody’s doing that better than Robert Suarez.
Mike Axisa
Mike’s never been one to shy away from a hot take, but even he admits this year’s closer landscape is particularly wild. However, he does think some people are sleeping on a certain someone down in San Diego…
Acknowledges the Elephant in the Room: Josh Hader (San Diego Padres)
“Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking,” Mike starts, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Hader? The guy who looked completely lost at the beginning of the season?”
He pauses for dramatic effect. “Yeah, that Josh Hader. The one who’s quietly put up a sub-one ERA since May and looks like his old, dominant self again.”
While Mike acknowledges that Hader’s early-season struggles can’t be completely ignored, he also reminds us that we’re talking about a guy with a track record longer than a CVS receipt (and just as impressive).
Top Choice: Emmanuel Clase
But even with Hader’s resurgence, Mike’s not quite ready to crown him the king just yet. His top pick? Emmanuel Clase.
“Look, Clase had a bit of a down year last year, we can’t sugarcoat it,” Axisa says. “But he’s rediscovered that nasty swing-and-miss stuff, and when he’s on, he’s basically unhittable.”
Highlights the Depth of the Field
What makes this conversation even more interesting, according to Mike, is the sheer depth at the closer position right now. He rattles off a list of names that would make any manager drool:
- Andrés Muñoz (Seattle Mariners): “This dude throws absolute gas.”
- Clay Holmes (New York Yankees): “He’s got that sinker that just induces ground ball after ground ball.”
- Edwin Díaz (New York Mets): “If he can come back healthy from that knee injury, watch out. He’s got the potential to be the most dominant closer in the game.”
- Jeff Hoffman (Cincinnati Reds): “Excelling in that co-closer role, proving you don’t need to be a traditional ninth-inning guy to be effective.”
The Stats Don’t Lie (Or Do They?)
So, who’s right? Who’s the real best closer in baseball right now? The truth is, it’s a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure story.
Do you value pure dominance and strikeout stuff? Mason Miller and Emmanuel Clase are your guys.
Prefer a guy who just gets the job done, no matter what? Look no further than Robert Suarez.
Believe in the power of redemption arcs? Josh Hader’s your man.
The beauty of baseball, and particularly the closer role, is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Different skillsets can thrive, and what makes a “great” closer can vary depending on the team and the situation.
The Second Half is Where Legends Are Made
One thing’s for sure: the second half of the season is going to be a wild ride. These closers will be put to the test, facing pressure-packed situations with the game on the line.
Will Mason Miller continue his historic rookie campaign? Can Emmanuel Clase maintain his dominance? Will Josh Hader complete his comeback story? And what about the dark horses like Suarez, Muñoz, and Holmes, just waiting for their chance to shine?
Grab your popcorn, folks. This is gonna be good.