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Boston Red Sox: Five potential closer candidates next season

By Matt Clark

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 05: Brandon Workman #44 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after striking out Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees (not pictured) in the sixth inning of Game One of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 5, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 05: Brandon Workman #44 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after striking out Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees (not pictured) in the sixth inning of Game One of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 5, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 04: Darwinzon Hernandez #63 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park on September 04, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 04: Darwinzon Hernandez #63 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park on September 04, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

2. Darwinzon Hernandez

Darwinzon Hernandez came into last season as one of Boston’s top pitching prospects. When he was called up mid-season, he did not fail to live up to the hype. Hernandez showed the ability to pile up strikeouts with his blazing fastball, striking out 57 batters in just 30 1/3 innings.

However, Hernandez did struggle with his control, something that has plagued him throughout his minor league career. The 22-year-old rookie would average just under one walk per inning, walking a total of 26 batters on the year. As a result of his lack of command, he often left pitches over the plate a bit too much, allowing batters to collect 27 hits off of him last season.

Despite a lack of command and a propensity to give up hits, Hernandez did a decent job of limiting the damage allowed to opposing batters, giving up only one home run on the year and pitching to a respectable 4.45 earned run average, despite a bloated 1.75 WHIP.

Hernandez’s numbers are a bit skewed though, as he was roughed up when he was first brought up last season and at the very end of the season when fatigue may have been a factor. In between, he was as dominant as any pitcher on the Red Sox roster and looked every bit the part of a future closer.

Boston has stated that it intends on keeping Hernandez in the bullpen next season. Perhaps he takes a major step forward with his command and takes over the closer role next year. He certainly has the stuff that would suggest he could excel as a closer in the majors. Hernandez presents the Red Sox with a young, affordable, long-term option in the closer role, something that is likely very attractive to the team.

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