Miami Marlins: Could Max Meyer be a closing option in 2022?

The Miami Marlins at the moment will enter the 2022 season with a few notable internal options at closer, a group that includes right-hander’s Dylan Floro (15 saves in 2021) and Anthony Bender (3 saves in 2021). However, could there be another internal option to be Miami’s primary closer in 2022?

While both Floro and Bender would be strong options, arguably the most-intriguing Marlins closing option for the 2022 season comes from a player still yet to make his major league debut – Max Meyer.

Is Max Meyer an option for the Miami Marlins closer in 2022?

The Miami Marlins No. 3 prospect, as well as the No. 30 prospect in all of baseball, it seems it is a 100% given that Meyer will make his major league debut in 2022, most-likely coming sooner rather than later.

Used solely as a starter during the 2021 minor league season, it makes sense that Miami’s 2020 first round pick will continue to be used as a starter whenever he reaches the big leagues after posting a combined 2.27 ERA in 2021 across 22 starts in his debut professional season. However, due to the Marlins crowded rotation picture entering the 2022 season, it makes sense that a few rotation options could find themselves playing a role in Miami’s bullpen.

When looking at which rotation options would make the most sense in a bullpen role in 2022, there are arguably none that stick out more than Meyer. Yes, even while names such as Luzardo and Hernandez have previous bullpen experience, Meyer in a closing/high-leverage role is the most-intriguing option.

A former closer in college as a freshman at Minnesota, Meyer excelled in that role posting a 2.27 ERA across 43.2 IP with an impressive 54:13 K:BB and 16 saves, which tied the Golden Gophers program record. Earning numerous accolades in the process including First-Team All-Big Ten, Meyer has not pitched out of a bullpen role since 2019, but could easily have success in a potential late-inning role in 2022 with his elite fastball/slider combo.

As mentioned at the start, the Miami Marlins have a few notable internal options at closer in 2022. While Floro and Bender would also excel in the closer role, there is no-denying Meyer could be the most-intriguing option.