3 options to be St. Louis Cardinals closer in 2022

Should Jordan Hicks be the St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day Closer?

Who the Cardinals should use as the closer is a big time debate, and quite frankly there isn’t a right answer. However, there is one thing that needs to be talked about that isn’t mentioned is that Jordan Hicks didn’t play last season. Having him back gives the Cardinals yet another arm to take pressure off of Reyes.

That doesn’t change the fact that Hicks was established as the Cardinals closer prior to the season and getting Hicks healthy more than likely means that he’ll re-claim that role but rather he should is the question that needs to be answered.

It was reported at one point that the Cardinals were interested in letting Hicks and Reyes compete for a spot in the starting rotation. Rather that was true or not, I’m not sure. However, if that is the case, I’d say they are thinking whoever doesn’t get it will be the closer.

Either way, Hicks would more than likely end up the Cardinals closer if the Arizona Fall League has any impact on the decision. Hicks did not pitch well during the Fall League when they gave him a couple starts but that’s not surprising.

Hicks is a great closer because of his plus-fastball and terrific off-speed. If you make him have to stretch out his innings to be a starter you take a plus fastball out of the equation so he can pace himself throughout the game and not blow his arm out.

Hicks, as a closer honestly, it makes the most sense. The drawback to that is the fact that he’s dealt with injuries the last couple seasons and therefore, you could be giving him the closer spot just for him to get hurt later on in the season.

If you shift your focus onto another player and getting his mindset ready to be the closer prior to the start of the season, it could be more beneficial to the player. If he’s given the nod as the closer prior to the season, he can adjust and adapt to the situation and prepare better for what he’s going to be asked to do.

You’re not going to put a starter in the bullpen and your not going to put a lefty specialist as a closer because that’s not what you ask of them. Giving your players the roles that they will endure will help prepare them mentally.

Once again, Hicks makes the most sense because of the style player he is, but I don’t know if I’d give him the nod after how he has performed in his last couple outings we’ve seen from him. That brings me to the third option.