When the Phillies loaded up on prospects in a Ken Giles trade this past week, the team opened up a position on the team: 2016 closer. While the Phillies signed reliever David Hernandez who closed for the Diamondbacks briefly in 2011 and Ernesto Frieri who once saved 37 games, the closer position is far from settled. Thus, the Phillies have begun getting attention from some free agent relievers looking to re-establish themselves as closers.
On MLB Network's MLB Tonight, Phillies beat reporter for MLB.com Todd Zolecki said that in a conference call with general manager Matt Klentak today, Klentak noted that he was getting calls from some free agent closers. So who might those be?
Neftali Feliz
Feliz was the closer for the 2010 and 2011 Rangers who made the World Series in back-to-back seasons. In his All-Star season of 2010, Feliz led the league in games finished and saved 40 games for the Rangers. Ultimately, injuries got to Feliz and he missed nearly the entire 2013 season. He has yet to find himself since, pitching to a 6.38 ERA in 2015, split between the Rangers and the Detroit Tigers. Feliz was non-tendered by the Tigers earlier this month.
Joe Nathan
Speaking of the Rangers and the Detroit Tigers, Joe Nathan took over for Feliz as Rangers closer, and signed a new deal with the Detroit Tigers prior to 2014. Nathan was stellar for the Rangers in 2012 and 2013, saving a combined 80 games. But in Detroit, Nathan was no semblance of his former self. In 2014, Nathan blew seven saves and pitched to a 4.85 earned run average. In 2015, Nathan got a single out, and before April was finished headed to his second "Tommy John" surgery.
Fernando Rodney
Rodney was a two-time All-Star who saved 48 games for the Seattle Mariners in 2014. 2015 was a different story for Rodney, who blew six saves in 22 chances. After pitching to a 5.48 earned run average in August, Rodney was designated for assignment by the Mariners. He rejoined his former manager with the Rays, Joe Maddon, but did not close in Chicago. Rodney pitched 12 innings for the Cubs, to a 0.75 earned run average with his new time, working mostly as a set-up man.
Greg Holland
This is more of reclamation project. Signing former top closer Holland would likely require the Phillies giving him a two year deal: the first year to recover from "Tommy John" surgery, and the second year to establish some value for the Phillies. The Phillies could either have him grow into their closer, or trade him at the deadline in 2017, if the Phillies are still rebuilding some pieces. If they are beginning to go for it, Holland might make a nice addition down the line.
Tyler Clippard
Clippard is hardly considered a closer; he held the role at times for the Washington Nationals over the years. Clippard was traded to the Oakland Athletics prior to 2015 and became the Athletics' closer after Sean Doolittle went down with an injury. Clippard saved 19 games combined between the Athletics and the Mets, who traded for Clippard prior to the non-waiver trade deadline. Clippard showed signs of leaking oil down the stretch, but with the Phillies, he could re-establish himself as a closer, creating a trade piece for the Phillies in a market where closers are at a premium price.
