Grant Taylor’s dominance this season has demonstrated why he deserves to take on the closer role for the Chicago White Sox.
Across 25.1 innings pitched, he’s upheld a radiant 1.78 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with 38 punchouts this season.
He’s been lights-out electric, and his performance last night demonstrated why he fits perfectly in the closer role.
Facing the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night, Taylor was utterly dominant, picking up the save and striking out the side in order. His performance indicated how he’s capable of handling high-leverage situations and save opportunities.
Making the case for Grant Taylor anchoring the ninth inning
Taylor possesses electric stuff, which has been highlighted by a dominant fastball that reaches 100 mph+ and an elite 36.2 % strikeout rate (98th percentile).
He’s shown consistent fastball velocity, averaging at 98.5 mph and sitting in the 98th percentile. He pairs his fastball with a filthy breaking ball that misses bats at an elite level.
In Taylor’s debut, the first pitch he threw dialed in at 101.5 mph. But his flamethrowing didn’t stop there, as he followed with six more pitches at 100+ mph, which resulted in a perfect 1-2-3 scoreless seventh inning.
Taylor has also outperformed Seranthony Dominguez, who has given up two earned runs in each of his last two starts and hasn’t pitched since May 17. Overall, proving he is a weapon when it comes to high-leverage/late-inning action.
Veteran reliever Domínguez has faced issues with run prevention and giving up the long ball (three in his last three games). This has evidently paved the way for the more youthful and electric reliever to manage the closer role.
Back on March 5, White Sox general Manager Chris Getz drew comparisons of Taylor to star closer Mason Miller, as they share a similar trajectory, as well as elite stuff and swing-and-miss dominance. He also predicted that a massive breakout season was in line for Taylor, and his prediction has so far been right on the money.