In search of a closer, could the Washington Nationals turn to Blake Treinen to do the job? We take a closer look at the reliever’s credentials.
With all the big-name free agent closers off the board, the Washington Nationals may look in-house for a closer in 2017.
As they contemplate signing Greg Holland or pushing a trade for Tampa Bay Rays closer Alex Colome or Chicago White Sox reliever David Robertson, the best option may already be with the team.
If the Nats cannot find their external closer, Blake Treinen, Koda Glover and Shawn Kelley will compete for the job in Spring Training. In Treinen’s case, the risk is worth it.
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Entering his third season with Washington, Treinen will be 28 the first half of 2017. Under team control through 2021, he could turn into what the Nats need for a reasonable price.
A starter most of his minor league career, Treinen converted into a reliever before the 2015 season. He pitched briefly in Triple-A Syracuse that year before getting the permanent call to the team. Fangraphs says he is a groundball pitcher, inducing them last year at a 65.9 percent rate when balls are in play.
Treinen features a fastball in the mid-90s and a heavy slider which he throws around 30 percent of the time. He will toss a changeup, but since taking a regular spot in the bullpen, that pitch is featured less than one percent.
His strikeout-per-9 rate is a healthy 8.46 in 2016. Yes, low for a modern closer. But, since he induces so many grounders, balls stay in the yard. Opponents hit .220 off him last year and his BABIP is a career-best of .280. All numbers are substantial improvements over 2015, except one.
If Treinen has a weakness, it is with control. He walked 31 in 67 innings, or 4.2 BB/9. If he is to win an audition next March, he must improve his locations. When you look at his pitch numbers last year, he throws strikes at a 61 percent clip. He must cut down on tossing balls at 39 percent.
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Although he induces ground balls, if he wins the job, he must be efficient with his pitch counts. Treinen’s WHIP of 1.224 in 2016 does not scream closer. It is an improvement of 2015s 1.389
With high expectations to go into the offseason, the thought of Treinen as closer is not what most thought would happen. Given his ability to mix his slider with a hard fastball, he will get the chance to show Dusty Baker, Mike Maddux and you why he deserves the job.
Sometimes, you never know.
