It’s a fascinating time in baseball strategy. We’ve reached a point where it is widely acknowledged that the highest leverage situations may come at different times in the game. Sure, the ninth inning may prove to be the most important frame, but sometimes, high-leverage moments crop in the eighth, or seventh, or even earlier. Modern bullpen usage in the postseason is indicative of this phenomenon.
However, the team’s best reliever is still usually its closer. Names such as Josh Hader, Devin Williams, and Emmanuel Clase are all defined closers, and by far, the best relievers on their respective clubs.