New shutdown closer for the Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins traded shutdown closer Tanner Scott to the San Diego Padres at the Trade Deadline. The Fish received quite a haul, but a short-term question was obviously who would take over for him at recording saves? That question was soon answered, as Calvin Faucher took over closing duties. Could Faucher have more to offer? Can he become a shutdown closer himself?

Calvin Faucher could be the new shutdown Miami Marlins closer

Having a shutdown closer is important, and often that turns out to be someone that you least expect. It could be a journeyman signing that finally fixed his mechanics. It can be a good relief pitcher who suddenly perfected one of his pitches... A shutdown closer can come out of nowhere, and naturally finding those types is key in both building cheap and effective bullpens, and building the farm by trading them at the Trade Deadline.

The Miami Marlins acquired Calvin Faucher by trade shortly after the end of the 2023 season. The 28 year old is actually under control all the way until the 2029 season. This long-term control is very appealing, though it's also clear that Faucher is a bit of a late-bloomer.

Faucher debuted in 2022 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He delivered a 5.48 ERA/5.13 FIP, with 8.9 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 in 22 games and 21.1 innings pitched. Hardy promising results to say the least. Only the strikeout rate looked any good here.

How did Faucher do in 2023? This time he delivered an even worse 7.01 ERA, with a slightly improved 4.85 FIP, with 8.8 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 in 17 games and 25.2 innings pitched. It does look like Peter Bendix saw something in him, because he brought him in for this season and he's taken massive steps forward!

How did Calvin Facucher do in 2024 so far? He has a 3.22 ERA/2.73 FIP, with 9.9 K/9 and 4.6 BB/9. The control is high, but the strikeout rate is legit. The ERA and especially FIP really stand out as well. That's an elite FIP in case you didn't notice. I'm really excited to see what he can do going forward.