3 years agoAfter Keone Kela was sidelined by right forearm inflammation in late August of 2020, Richard Rodriguez took over the Pirates' closer role. Rodriguez posted a 2.70 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and a 34:5 K:BB, to go with four saves in five attempts in 23 1/3 innings pitched. With Kela now on the Padres, Rodriguez becomes the presumptive Pittsburgh closer heading into the 2021 season. Looking at his pitching metrics, Rodriguez should outperform his ADP of 217. While his 2020 overall exit velocity of 91.8 mph and overall hard-hit rate of 51% are frightening (and were in the bottom 3% of all of MLB in 2020), his other metrics served to counter those hellish numbers. First, as a result of his greater reliance on the use of his slider, Rodriguez posted an elite strikeout rate (36.6%) and an elite whiff rate which were, respectively, in the top 4% and 8% in all of MLB. Additionally, his flyball rate was well below the MLB average and served to minimize potential home runs. Rodriguez also effectively limited baserunners with a superb walk rate of 5.4% (13th percentile of all of MLB). He also posted a wOBA of .234 and was effective against left-handed hitters (0.71 WHIP and 20:3 K:BB in 12 2/3 IP) which helped limit damage against him. If Rodriguez continues to utilize his slider more frequently, his strikeout and whiff rates should hold in 2021. Additionally, there is room for improvement if Rodriguez's hard-hit rate and overall exit velocity regress closer to his career averages. All signs point to a repeat, if not more, for Rodriguez in 2021. As Pirates closer, he has the potential to return great ratios, strikeouts, and anywhere from 20-25 saves in the later rounds, unless he is dealt by the Pirates around the trade deadline which could limit those save totals.--Nick Ritrivi - RotoBaller