The offseason is approaching to the lockdown, so I better hurry up with this short series of Offseason Targets. After working on 3B and SPs, let’s jump into another pressing need: a bona fide closer.

Bringing Fairbanks this past season was a great signing on paper. Unfortunately, the move did not bring the desired results -even though he did converted 19 of 23 Save Opportunities, which is normal. The Marlins most certainly will explore other options for next season. Even though the Marlins have a solid bullpen, none of the options has noticeable experience closing games. Petersen, Vodnik, and Ekness have the stuff to do the job, but relievers are famous for their inconsistency, so the smart thing to do is to get an experienced arm for the last inning.

The problem is, there aren’t a ton of options available, and almost no team has a surplus of closers. The Fish will probably explore the cheapest option available whether via trade or free agent sign.

Let’s check what’s out there in the price range Sherman would be willing to pay:

1. Kenley Jansen (https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/janseke01.shtml): Jansen came up two saves short of 500, a feature only achieved by Rivera and Hoffman. So the motivation on his side should be there. Some concerns around his under-the-hood metrics, but Jensen is still effective closing games and should not be more expensive than Fairbanks.

2. Tyron Guerrero (https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/guerrta01.shtml): El de Bocachica has never earn a save, but he has always had the stuff to do so. After his successful comeback from Japan, Tyron had an amazing year with Boston. Still throws over 100, and given his age he shouldn’t demand a large prospect package.

3. Randy Rodríguez (https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodrira02.shtml): An All-star in 2025, Randy did not pitch this year due to TJS, but should be ready around May next season. The rebuilding Giants could use some new prospects on a meh farm system.

4. Felix Bautista (https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bautife01.shtml): Bautista has a lot to prove next season, and the Orioles are one of those rare teams that have several pitchers that can close games (Helsley, Garcia). A bit of a wild card, but could be worth the shot.

5. Brusdar Graterol (https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gratebr01.shtml): A staple in the Dodgers’ bullpen, Graterol hasn’t pitched since 2024 due to consecutive injuries. In June this year, while rehabbing in AAA, he suffered a severe back injury and his season was over. Now a free agent, the Marlins could offer him a MLB contract with lots of incentives. He has always thrown over 100 and has nasty stuff.

Next week I will close the Offseason Targets series with the backup catcher. As a tradition now, My offseason blueprint will follow, trying to replicate what Ely Sussman published a couple of days ago.