The Closer Role Evolution in Modern Baseball

How the ninth-inning specialist has changed in the analytics era

The Traditional Role

The traditional closer -- one pitcher designated for the ninth inning used consistently regardless of game situation -- produced some of the most celebrated pitchers in baseball history and the specific organizational clarity of knowing who pitches the ninth when the game is close.

The Analytics Challenge

The analytics challenge: the highest-leverage situations are not always in the ninth inning. A team trailing by one run in the seventh with bases loaded and two outs may present a more critical leverage situation than a three-out save opportunity. Using the best relief pitcher in the highest-leverage situation regardless of inning is the argument for opener and high-leverage reliever strategies.

On Deck News Coverage

The On Deck News covers the closer debate because it is where the analytics-versus-tradition conflict in baseball is most visible in actual roster and usage decisions.

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