Mets And Yankees' Closer Search: Lupica Highlights The Difficulty

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on Apr 23, 2025

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The Mets' Closer Conundrum

The Mets' closer search has been particularly challenging. A combination of injuries and inconsistent performance has left manager Buck Showalter scrambling for answers in high-leverage situations.

Injuries and Inconsistency

The Mets' bullpen has been ravaged by injuries, significantly impacting their late-game strategy.

• Edwin Diaz: The team's projected closer suffered a season-ending knee injury early in the season, leaving a gaping hole in the bullpen. His absence has been keenly felt, highlighting the team's reliance on his dominant performance.
• David Robertson: Another key relief pitcher, Robertson, also encountered injury setbacks, limiting his effectiveness and further straining the bullpen's depth. His absence further complicated the Mets' already difficult closer search.
• Other relievers: While several pitchers have stepped up to fill the void, consistency has been lacking. Many have struggled with their ERA and WHIP, leaving the Mets vulnerable in crucial late-inning situations. The team’s overall bullpen ERA reflects this inconsistency.

The impact of these injuries has forced the Mets to rely on a "closer by committee" approach, which has proven unpredictable and less effective than a dedicated, reliable closer. This has made their closer search even more critical.

The Search for a Proven Veteran

The Mets’ attempts to acquire a veteran closer through free agency or trade have also been unsuccessful.

• Potential targets: Several established closers were explored, but deals either fell through due to high contract demands or concerns about the pitchers' recent performance. The team couldn't find the right fit within their budget and roster constraints.
• Integration challenges: Even if the Mets had acquired a veteran, integrating a new closer into an already fragile bullpen dynamic would have presented its own set of challenges, potentially disrupting team chemistry and requiring further adjustments to the bullpen strategy. This adds another layer of complexity to their closer search.

Yankees' Bullpen Woes

The Yankees' situation, while different, presents similar challenges in their own closer search. They haven't found a dominant reliever capable of consistently shutting down opposing offenses in the ninth inning.

Lack of a Dominant Reliever

The Yankees have relied heavily on a committee approach to closing games, which has proven to be less than ideal.

• Bullpen arms: While the Yankees possess several talented relievers, none has consistently demonstrated the dominance needed to be a reliable, high-pressure closer. Each pitcher has experienced highs and lows throughout the season.
• Committee system risks: The risk of a committee system lies in its inherent inconsistency. Relying on multiple pitchers in high-leverage situations increases the probability of a late-inning collapse, precisely the situation any team wants to avoid in crucial games. This underscores the urgent need for the Yankees to find a solution in their relief pitching needs.

Prospect Development Challenges

The Yankees' struggles are further compounded by their difficulties in developing reliable closers from within their farm system.

• Prospect struggles: Several promising prospects have struggled to transition successfully to the major leagues, highlighting the challenges inherent in developing pitchers capable of handling the immense pressure of closing games. The mental aspect of being a closer is just as important as physical skills.
• Reasons for difficulty: The mental fortitude required to succeed as a closer is often underestimated. The pressure of high-stakes situations, the potential for failure under intense scrutiny, and the need for exceptional composure make it a particularly demanding role, making the Yankees' closer search even more problematic.

Lupica's Analysis and Insights

Mike Lupica, in his recent columns, has accurately captured the difficulties both teams face in their respective closer searches.

• Lupica's key points: He emphasizes the importance of a reliable closer for postseason success and highlights the challenges of finding such a pitcher, whether through free agency, trades, or internal development. He points out the high cost associated with acquiring top-tier relief pitchers.
• Lupica's insights: While Lupica hasn't offered specific solutions, his analysis underscores the lack of readily available, high-quality closers and the complexities involved in addressing this crucial bullpen need. He acknowledges the challenges of effectively using a “closer by committee” approach.

Conclusion

The Mets and Yankees' struggles to secure a reliable closer demonstrate the inherent difficulty in finding consistent late-game performance in Major League Baseball. Injuries, inconsistent performance, and developmental challenges have significantly impacted both teams' bullpen strategies. A dependable closer is paramount for postseason success, and both teams must prioritize addressing their bullpen needs strategically and aggressively. Whether it involves further trades, promoting internal candidates, or a combination of both, the need for a solution is urgent. Keep a close watch on both teams' progress in their ongoing closer search as the season unfolds.