The Arizona Diamondbacks are in search of a reliable closer after Paul Sewald's struggles and injuries left the position in disarray. Since 2024, the team has grappled with a lack of stability in the bullpen, rotating through multiple pitchers including A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez, leading to a record number of players earning saves in a single season. Manager Torey Lovullo is aiming to establish a primary closer before the end of Spring Training, with several candidates in the mix including Sewald, Kevin Ginkel, and Ryan Thompson. Ginkel and Loáisiga could also make strong cases depending on their performance, but concerns remain over the health and effectiveness of these options.

By the Numbers
  • Arizona set a record for the most players with at least one save in a single season in 2025.
  • Sewald earned 86 career saves, with a recent xERA of 3.72 showing potential despite a 4.58 ERA in 2025.
  • Kevin Ginkel posted a 7.36 ERA but had a strong finish with a 1.69 ERA over his last 11 games.
State of Play
  • Multiple pitchers, including Sewald and Ginkel, are vying for the closer position after inconsistent performances last season.
  • A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez are both recovering from injuries, impacting the bullpen dynamics.
  • The team is focused on establishing a defined closer role to regain competitiveness and avoid previous issues with blown saves.
What's Next

As Spring Training progresses, the Diamondbacks will closely monitor the performance of their top closer candidates, especially Sewald and Ginkel. The outcome could dictate the bullpen strategy for the entire season, with Puk potentially returning as the primary closer later in the year if he regains form. Evaluating their performances will be critical in making a final decision on the closer role.

Bottom Line

The Diamondbacks must solidify their closer situation to improve their chances of returning to the playoffs. With key candidates vying for the role, maintaining health and performance in Spring Training will be essential for success. Establishing a reliable closing option will set the tone for the bullpen and the team's performance in 2026.