Four Elite MLB Closers Falter: Reasons And Potential Turnarounds

Admin

3 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

4.4

Share

Four Elite MLB Closers Falter: Reasons and Potential Turnarounds

The 2023 MLB season has seen some unexpected struggles from several elite closers. Fans and analysts alike are scratching their heads, wondering what's gone wrong for these usually reliable arms. This article dives deep into the recent struggles of four prominent closers, exploring the potential reasons behind their decline and examining possible paths to a resurgence.

The Fallen Four: A Closer Look at the Struggles

This season has witnessed a surprising dip in performance from several top-tier closers, shaking up the MLB landscape. Four names stand out: Liam Hendriks (White Sox), Josh Hader (Padres), Emmanuel Clase (Guardians), and Camilo Doval (Giants). While each closer presents a unique case, common threads of fatigue, mechanical issues, and opposing team adjustments weave through their stories.

Liam Hendriks (Chicago White Sox): Battling Back from Cancer

Hendriks's struggles extend beyond baseball. His courageous battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cast a long shadow, and his return to the mound has been marked by inconsistencies. While his raw talent remains undeniable, the physical and mental toll of his treatment are undeniable factors in his diminished performance. His comeback story is inspiring, but his road back to elite closer status requires patience and understanding. His velocity is down, and his control has been erratic, highlighting the ongoing effects of his treatment.

Josh Hader (San Diego Padres): Command Issues and Opposing Adjustments

Hader, known for his devastating slider, has experienced a noticeable drop in command this season. Opponents are successfully laying off his pitches outside the zone, and his once-unhittable slider is being more frequently put into play. A potential turnaround involves refining his mechanics and developing new secondary pitches to keep hitters off-balance. He needs to recapture his pinpoint control and regain the fear factor that made him one of baseball's most dominant closers.

Emmanuel Clase (Cleveland Guardians): Velocity Concerns and Increased Hit Rate

Clase's signature triple-digit fastball is less consistently overpowering. While his velocity isn't drastically down, a slight decrease, combined with an increase in hard contact allowed, has created vulnerabilities. A focus on refining his pitching arsenal and adding more off-speed options might help him regain dominance. Simply relying on his fastball is no longer enough to overpower major league hitters.

Camilo Doval (San Francisco Giants): The Weight of Expectations?

Doval's struggles might be attributed, in part, to the weight of high expectations. After a stellar 2022 season, increased scrutiny and pressure might be contributing to his inconsistencies. A renewed focus on his mental game and improved pitch sequencing could be key to his turnaround. He needs to rediscover his confidence and rely on the skills that made him a successful closer.

Potential Turnarounds: A Path Back to the Top

For these closers, a return to form will likely involve a multi-faceted approach. This includes:

• Mechanical Adjustments: Fine-tuning their delivery to improve command and velocity.
• Pitch Mix Diversification: Adding new pitches or refining existing ones to keep hitters guessing.
• Mental Fortitude: Addressing any mental blocks or pressure-related issues through sports psychology.
• Increased Rest: Managing workload to prevent fatigue and injury.
• Data-Driven Analysis: Utilizing advanced metrics to identify areas for improvement.

The Future of Elite Closing

The struggles of these four closers highlight the dynamic nature of baseball and the importance of adaptability. While their recent performances have been disappointing, their talent remains undeniable. Their potential turnarounds will be fascinating to watch, offering valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of elite-level pitching. The MLB season is long, and there's still plenty of time for these closers to rediscover their dominance. The question is, will they?