Former Tennessee Vols hurler Ben Joyce's anticipated role with Angels appears to have hit a snag with recent news
Former Tennessee Vols pitcher Ben Joyce appeared set to take over the role as closer for the Los Angeles Angles after a strong finish to the 2024 season. After recent news, those plans appear to be on hold. Per LA Times Angels MLB writer Mike DiGiovanna, the Angels recent signing of relief pitcher Kenley Jansen […]
Former Tennessee Vols pitcher Ben Joyce appeared set to take over the role as closer for the Los Angeles Angles after a strong finish to the 2024 season. After recent news, those plans appear to be on hold.
Per LA Times Angels MLB writer Mike DiGiovanna, the Angels recent signing of relief pitcher Kenley Jansen will likely put Joyce's plans to close on ice, at least for the time being.
The addition of Jansen to a young and experienced Angels bullpen will allow the team to give flame-throwing 24-year-old right-hander Ben Joyce, whose fastball touched 105 mph while going 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA and four saves in 31 games last season, another year to grow into the closer role. – Mike DiGiovanna, LA Times
Jansen was recently reported as reaching a one-year agreement with the Angels. He is one of the most experienced relievers on the market, and particularly one of the most experienced closers. Across his 15-year career, he's appeared in 871 games, and he has totaled 447 saves, which is fourth in the history of the league.
With that kind of experience at closer, it's not hard to understand why Jansen is considered the favorite for the position. And he probably is, as he has the experience and the mindset to get the most difficult 3 outs of the game. He's proven that.
However, Joyce is the prototype of what a closer should look like in 2025. Hard throwing, big arm, and fearless. It takes a certain type of player to close, and Joyce has looked the part early in his career. That confidence surely comes from wielding an arsenal that includes a 105 mph fastball, a slider, and a "splinker" (splitter/sinker hybrid pitch that dives in to right handed hitters).
That being said, roles can change during the season, as some players flourish and others struggle. Some managers have also gotten more comfortable shifting roles from time to time without particular designations for players.
We'll find out soon enough where things will go for Joyce in 2025, as pitchers and catchers report across MLB this week for Spring Training.
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