A new closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks this season might be A.J. Puk. He has a mindset and that could fit nicely into the plans. As we head into Spring Training, it appears the left-handed Puk will compete with the right-handed Justin Martinez to see who will hold down the ninth inning.
A New Closer for Arizona Diamondbacks
Dominant Pitcher
Puk was a dominant and valuable bullpen pitcher for the Diamondbacks last season. In fact, he turned out to be their most effective reliever down the stretch after coming to the team in a trade with the Miami Marlins. He finished the season with a 1.32 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 27.1 innings.
Annoying Spot
Since taking charge of the Diamondbacks in 2016, both General Manager Mike Hazen and Manager Torey Lovullo have had to rebuild the bullpen every year. And, the closer role has been an annoying and frustrating spot to fill or keep filled. Many closers have come and gone in the past eight years—some successful, others not so much. Although the bullpen for the 2025 season has not changed too much, the team still needs someone to come in and hold down the ninth inning.
Still Looking
A new closer for Arizona for the 2025 season. This is after a late-season meltdown from that spot in 2024. That breakdown contributed to the team missing the playoffs. Everyone expected the Diamondbacks to add a closer in the off-season. However, Spring Training has started as of this writing, and they have yet to fill that spot. We know Lovullo’s first choice is to have a set closer, and they still may seek one.
Unless a proven closer is found via a late free-agent signing or a trade, the role may become a matchup-based, closer-by-committee situation. Either way, Puk and Martinez appear to be the top contenders to close.
Has the Talent
Can A.J. Puk be the closer? He certainly has the talent and brings multiple pitch selections. His most popular pitches are his four-seam fastball and slider. Puk also fools hitters with a sinker, a changeup, and a splitter. His curveball and cutter are used less extensively but are still active and real. All have been successful as groundball outs when he has been in the bullpen.
Useful as a Setup Arm
While he has the potential to be a successful closer, he may be better suited as the main setup arm for the Diamondbacks. Being a left-handed pitcher, he dominates both left- and right-handed batters. With his excellent strikeout numbers, due to his fastball and overwhelming slider, he might be best utilized in high-leverage situations.
Health Issues
Health issues have been a concern for Puk in the past. He has had shoulder surgery, nerve irritation, and a bicep strain. Last season, he was placed on the injured list due to shoulder fatigue. After his return from that, the Marlins moved him from starter to a bullpen specialist before trading him. However, since joining the Diamondbacks, he remained healthy.
To be Determined
A new closer for Arizona could be A.J. Puk. With two seasons of club control remaining, the Diamondbacks have an excellent bullpen pitcher. He avoided arbitration and came to terms with a one-year, $2.95 million contract with the team, per Jon Heyman.
Though his role is not yet determined, knowing Puk will be around provides some stability in the bullpen. Having that multipurpose pitcher available as both a closer and a set-up arm gives the team some added versatility. Over the six weeks of Spring Training, we will see what the Diamondbacks plan to do with both Puk and the closer spot. Regardless of where he winds up, Puk will be a useful asset.
Main Photo Credits: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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