Texas Rangers: 3 Options to Fill The Hole At Closer

Keone Kela

Reliever Matt Bush has been stripped of the closer role, and it could be time for Keone Kela to shine in Arlington. It’s surprising Bush got an opportunity at closer before Kela, but better late than never.

This season Kela is 4-1 with a 2.64 ERA in 30 games with one save. The 24-year-old has allowed just three home runs, and could be a real threat in the closer role. Kela has allowed 14 hits in 30.2 innings, and struck out 42 batters.

Everything we’ve seen from Kela screams closer, but the Rangers have been hesitant to give him a chance. The 2017 season is Kela’s third in the MLB, but he’s been mainly a middle reliever. He has just two career saves, and the team could be worried he’s not experienced enough.

Since his debut in 2015 Kela has always looked like a closer, but the Rangers always overlooked him. They destined him to a middle relief role, but his stuff and stats always screamed closer. Maybe the Rangers don’t see that “closer” mentality in Kela, but they should give him a chance.

The Rangers are going closer by committee until someone proves they can do the job. It might not be long before Kela takes the role and runs with it. He should be given a shot to prove he has what it takes to hold down the ninth inning.

Jose Leclerc

If it’s time to go closer by committee then one of the first people in line should be rookie Jose Leclerc. Much like Kela, Leclerc has lights out stuff that could easily translate into a closer role. He is a rookie, and throwing him into that kind of situation could mean trouble.

This season Leclerc is 1-1 with a 2.74 ERA in 22 games. He’s allowed just two home runs in 23 innings, and has kept hitters guessing with 37 strikeouts. Leclerc had a DL stint earlier in the season, but he’s been on the MLB roster for most of the 2017 season.

The 23-year-old has one save this season, but does have experience in the minors. He is one of a handful of Texas relievers to not blow a save this season. He’s only had one chance, but even Sam Dyson failed to record one save.

It’s never ideal to ask a rookie reliever to take over the closer role mid-season, but why not. The Rangers really don’t have much to lose, and Leclerc has earned a shot at the role. In 2015 the Blue Jays gave the closer role to rookie Roberto Osuna and that has worked out fantastic for them.

It’s a low pressure situation for Leclerc since the team is going by committee anyway. At this point fans just want someone who won’t blow the lead. Leclerc is young and inexperienced, but he’s put together a strong campaign in 2016.

Ernesto Frieri

He’s new to the Rangers, but not new to the ninth inning role. Recently acquired veteran Ernesto Frieri could save the day in Arlington. The 31-year-old reliever could be exactly what the Rangers needed to stop the bleeding.

Both Kela and Leclerc have little experience in the ninth inning role. Frieri has eight years of MLB experience and 73 career saves. He’s struggled the last couple years, but could reinvent himself in Arlington.

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This season in a small sample size Frieri is 0-0 with 3.60 ERA in four games with two earned runs and three strikeouts. He pitched very well in the minors before joining the Rangers. He pitched in 18 games with a 2.86 ERA and seven saves in the minors this season.

He’s not a long-term closer option like Kela or Leclerc. Although Frieri could hold down the role for the second half of the season. Somebody needs to stop the bleeding, and the Rangers aren’t going to give up assets to acquire anyone.

If the Rangers are looking for an experienced guy to hold down the role Frieri is the guy. Kela, Leclerc, and Frieri could be an interesting team to watch over the second half of the season. Someone needs to close out the game, and hopefully these guys and solve the problem.