2020 Season
As the 2020 season gets underway, the Giants still have a big question in who will be the closer for them during the shortened season? There are many options that they could choose but I think there are some options that should and could happen this season. Here are some possibilities:
Who Can the Closer be?
In 2019, the Giants closer was Will Smith. He had a great season last year with a 2.76 ERA, 3.23 FIP, and 1.026 WHIP in 53 innings. However, in that same off-season he was a free agent and signed with the Atlanta Braves. So who can be the closer for the Giants in 2020?
Tony Watson
Tony Watson is a veteran arm who would fit the spot perfectly for the Giant’s closer role. He has been in the league for 9 years and has played with the Giants since 2018. He had a great 2018 with a 2.59 ERA, 2.45 FIP, and a 1.030 WHIP in 66 innings. However, in 2019 he did have a bit of a decline by giving up more hits, home runs, and limiting the strikeouts. However, I think that he will have a bounce-back season and go back to his old self.
Tyler Rodgers
Tyler Rodgers was recently called up by the Giants in 2019 and only pitched in 17 games for the Giants that year. Encouragingly, he was amazing in those games by only allowing 2 ER. He had a 1.02 ERA, 2.08 FIP, .849 WHIP, and didn’t allow a single home run. He looks bright for the future and could definitely be a possibility for the Giant’s closer role.
Trevor Gott
Trevor Gott could also end up being the Giants closer in 2020. He has struggled in the past few years but showed signs of improvement in 2019. Gott also didn’t have a full season of playing time until 2019. Although his ERA was a bit high at 4.44 in 2019, his FIP was only at 3.12. He strikes out a lot of people which is a good sign. If Trevor Gott improves from his 2019 season, I could see him as a serious threat in the Giants bullpen and possibly their closer in 2020.
My Prediction
I think at the beginning of the season, we will see Tony Watson as the main closer because he has the most experience and is the most reliable pitcher. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if towards the middle of the season Tyler Rodgers took that role. I’m super excited to see him play this year and grow as an MLB pitcher.
