
Option #6: Anthony Swarzak
The most ‘under the radar’ closer candidate of every ‘under the radar’ closer candidate that has ever ‘under the radar’d, Anthony Swarzak had himself a season in 2017 and you’ve probably never heard of him.
The former Twin, Indian, and Yankee found himself on the south side of Chicago to begin the season before a July trade sent him to Milwaukee to finish out 2017. Overall, Swarzak posted a 2.33 ERA, 2.74 FIP, 10.5 K/9, 5.7% walk rate, and an 82.9% LOB rate, all adding up to 2.2 fWAR over the entire season, 8th overall among all qualified MLB relievers.
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In addition, Swarzak’s 2.41 win-probability-added would have ranked 1st on the St. Louis Cardinals in an average leverage index of 1.51, and I should have mentioned this with Bryan Shaw, but an LI of 1 is neutral leverage. Anything over 1 is high leverage, below 1 is low leverage.
Anthony Swarzak, entering his age-32 season, is a remarkably underrated free agent. A power-reliever who just had a career year in 77.1 relief innings pitched would normally be a hot commodity, but I’ve barely heard his name mentioned.
Swarzak, much like everyone else on this list, could reasonably be had for a fairly cheap overall contract, maintaining payroll flexibility that the Cardinals cherish so much while still filling holes in the back end of the bullpen.
Much like I suggested they do in the search for an impact bat, the St. Louis Cardinals should look to beat the market and fill their roster holes with talented players who won’t cost a fortune.
Next: 5 under the radar impact bat candidates
Combine any number of Morrow, McGee, Shaw, Smith and Swarzak with the current lay of the Cardinals’ bullpen and you’ve got a recipe for success.