For each of the last three seasons, since Mike Hazen became General Manager of the Diamondbacks, we have seen the same thing happen with regard to the team’s roster construction. The closer’s spot has been filled by a free-agent: someone who did not end the previous year as an established closer, but someone who did have prior experience of the role. The aim is clear: get someone who has had some success as a closer, without paying the premium cost associated with the position. That brought us Fernando Rodney in 2017, Brad Boxberger in 2018, and Greg Holland in 2019.
Are bargain-basement closers worth it?
