Red Sox Rankings: Top 5 Closers in the American League
By Drew Peabody
Two of the guys on this list are brand new to the AL but promise to dominate in 2016. Let’s expand back to the full league as we examine the top closers in the American League, one of whom pitches for the Red Sox.
One could argue that two of the top closers in the American League last season, Andrew Miller and Koji Uehara might have made this list if they hadn’t been replaced by fireballing National League dominators. While Uehara uses deception and a drop off the table splitter, Miller also uses a big fastball to easily retire most hitters. Another of the candidates for this list, Brad Boxberger, who led the AL in saves last year, falls off the list due to injury. A torn abdominal muscle will keep him out until mid-May at least. You can guess who is going to fall on this list from a suspension that is going to keep him out until May 9. Otherwise he might have led the pack.
This is one of the deepest positions there is with many viable candidates for the top of the heap. You aren’t going to go too wrong with even the guys who might rank sixth through tenth. My job is to take a look at all the info out there to come up with a rock solid list you can defend if you are arguing with your friends. Without further ado, here are the top five American League closers.
Next: 1. Wade Davis