Kansas City Royals: Should they close by committee?

With Kelvin Herrara gone, it begs the question of who will be called upon to close games for the Kansas City Royals. Closing by committee looks like it will be their best option, at least for a while.

Rookie pitcher Tim Hill picked up his first career save with the Kansas City Royals last night. He did it by pitching a perfect inning. His 4.56 ERA may not look the greatest, but the lefty may have earned himself a spot in the “closing rotation.”

For the rest of the 2018 season, or at least until they find someone who really stands out, the Kansas City Royals should close by committee. They didn’t have a specific successor for Kelvin Herrara when they traded him, so the end of the 2018 season should be used to get a better idea of who will take his place next season.

To do that, many arms need reps in those situations. The best way to give guys opportunities is to close by committee.

Who is in the mix?

Guys like Brandon Maurer and Kevin McCarthy could also take on the role of the closer. It’s likely both Justin Grimm and Wily Peralta will be given chances as well. With five guys in consideration, switching it up may be the best option. At least for a little while.

The team should choose to go with the closer by committee route. It makes the most sense. The Milwaukee Brewers went with that route when their closer, Corey Knebel, went down with a hamstring injury earlier in the season. During that time, several different bullpen arms, including Josh Hader, Jeremy Jeffress, and Matt Albers entered the game in closing situations.

Unless one of the Kansas City Royals hurlers really stand out, closer by committee is the best option for the Royals. When they traded Kelvin Herrara, they knew they would be without a closer. So, they may have had this in mind all along.

How long will it last?

Through this process, the Kansas City Royals just may end up finding their new closer. Whether it be in a few months or not until the beginning of next season, finding a young guy to consistently hold the role is another good step.

Next: Is Mike Moustakas the next to go?

But, finding a replacement closer takes time. That’s why the end of the 2018 season should be dedicated to finding that guy. To do that, many guys need to get multiple opportunities. And closing by committee is the best way to see a bunch of guys in those situations.