Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are Searching for a Closer
The Arizona Diamondbacks are searching for a closer. How the closer competition plays out is something to watch in the final weeks of Spring Training and possibly beyond.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are searching for a closer for the 2026 season. With right-handed Justin Martinez and left-handed A. J. Puk still recovering from arm surgeries they need one sooner than later. The organization needs to decide on someone by the end of Spring Training on March 24.
Another Season-Ending Injury
Andrew Saalfrank recorded three saves last season. However, any possibility of the left-handed competing for this year’s closer role is now irrelevant, as he will miss the season following shoulder surgery.
Need Stability
Stability is crucial for the Diamondbacks after last season’s struggles with blown leads and saves. To contend for a playoff spot, a confident, dependable closer is essential. Let’s look at a few pitchers who could fill the role.
Kevin Ginkel
Kevin Ginkel had a three-year stretch in which he was one of the National League’s foremost high-leverage relievers. However, an early injury saw him placed on the IL in 2025. He did not return until the last week of April. Then in May, after just 12 innings, he gave up 18 runs and had a 13.50 ERA. He was placed on the IL again in July and missed more time. After returning, he still struggled with shoulder issues, and his last game was on August 7. Ginkel has the ability and skills to be an effective closer. However, he must maintain consistency and self-control. His health will be vital to locking down the role.
Ryan Thompson
Ryan Thompson battled a scapular strain in his upper back and shoulder last season. He struggled to regain his dominant form, starting with an ERA over 7 before lowering it below 4. However, his ground ball rate dropped from 62.5% to 45.7% in 2025. Another concern is that Thompson’s unconventional delivery and low velocity make it a challenge for the typical closer role.
Return of a Familiar Closer
Knowing they needed veteran arms to compete for the closer’s role. The Diamondbacks brought back a familiar closer. Paul Sewald and the Diamondbacks agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract for the 2026 season. In 2023, they acquired Sewald at the trade deadline. He had thirteen saves and a 3.57 ERA. However, he really came into his own during the postseason. In games that led them to the National League pennant, Sewald pitched eight scoreless innings and had six saves, helping the team reach the World Series.
Sewald lost the closer job in late 2024 and was not signed for 2025. After leaving Arizona, he pitched for the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers. Injuries hampered his performance. Nonetheless, he said after signing with the Diamondbacks in February that he is healthy and ready to go.
Under the Radar
Jonathan Loáisiga could prove to be a valuable, under-the-radar addition. The former New York Yankees starter moved to the bullpen and has eight career saves in 71.2 innings with a 2.51 ERA in save opportunities. Known for his effective sinker and strong ground ball rate, he has excelled in high-leverage spots. Injuries have limited his availability, but if healthy, Loáisiga could contend for the closer job.
Recent Trade
Kade Strowd is a sleeper pick for the closer role. He came over in a recent trade from the Baltimore Orioles. Strowd had an inspiring introduction last season, posting a 1.71 ERA over 26.1 innings in 25 appearances. Although it was only a small sample size, he did show elite groundball capabilities and a durable swing-and-miss rate. Featuring a four-seam fastball that can hit 98 mph, he will mix in a cutter and a sinker as well. The right-handed Strowd is still untested as a closer but could step in and provide that coverage when needed.
Main Closer
Manager Torey Lovullo has used the closer by committee on occasion in his nine years at the helm, usually only when the closer had pitched back-to-back games. Lovullo likes and wants a single closer, someone who can hold the job all season and succeed in it. That allows him to set up the bullpen in the order he wants. Lovullo likes to have a set-up arm, a high-leverage arm, and a ground ball expert to go along with one closer.
Earned, not Handed Out
The Arizona Diamondbacks are searching for a closer. How the closer competition plays out is something to watch in the final weeks of Spring Training and possibly beyond. What we do know is that Lovullo will not hand the closer role to anyone. It must be earned. There is a lot of talent competing for the position, so who knows… If two or more pitchers look good as the closer, Lovullo could change his mind and instead of settling on one arm, look at a situational closer using several pitchers. Look for the final decision to be made by the end of Spring Training.
Jim Marshall
Jim Marshall has been writing about sports for over 10 years. He started his sports career in radio, co-hosting and producing several sports-talk radio programs in Phoenix. He has covered local, college, and national sports, but specializes in MLB. His articles have appeared in several sports-reporting sites, including our own Legends On Deck. Jim is also a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).
