Blue Jays Closer Conundrum: Should Yimi Garcia Get a Shot in the 9th?

Assessing the Blue Jays' Bullpen Situation

The Toronto Blue Jays have struggled to find a consistent closer in recent seasons. Ken Giles, who was signed to a three-year, $30 million contract in 2020, was ineffective and was eventually released in August 2021. Jordan Romano emerged as the team's primary closer in 2022, but he has been inconsistent this season, blowing four saves in 14 opportunities.

Enter Yimi Garcia, a veteran right-hander with a track record of success in the bullpen. Garcia was acquired by the Blue Jays from the Miami Marlins in April 2022. He has pitched well for Toronto, posting a 3.48 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 36 appearances. Garcia has also shown a strong ability to close games, converting 12 of his 14 save opportunities in 2022.

Garcia's Case for the 9th Inning

Garcia has several attributes that make him a good candidate to be the Blue Jays' closer:

• Experience: Garcia has closed 66 games in his career, including 30 in 2021 for the Marlins.
• Stuff: Garcia throws a hard sinker that generates ground balls and a sharp slider that misses bats.
• Consistency: Garcia has been one of the most reliable relievers in baseball over the past few seasons.

Romano's Struggles

Jordan Romano has been the Blue Jays' primary closer for the past two seasons, but he has struggled to find his consistency in 2023. Romano has blown four saves in 14 opportunities and has a 5.06 ERA in 21 appearances.

Romano's struggles can be attributed to several factors, including a drop in velocity and an increase in walks. He is also facing tougher competition this season as more teams are stacking their lineups with right-handed hitters.

Conclusion

The Blue Jays are in need of a reliable closer, and Yimi Garcia has proven that he can handle the role. Garcia has the experience, stuff, and consistency that the Blue Jays need in the ninth inning. While Romano has been the team's closer for the past two seasons, his struggles in 2023 suggest that it may be time for a change. Giving Garcia a chance to close games would be a low-risk, high-reward move that could boost the Blue Jays' chances of success in 2023.