36. Alex Colomé

Alex Colomé’s progression within the Tampa Bay organization exemplifies exemplary organizational adaptability. Signed from the Dominican Republic as an 18-year-old amateur free agent in 2007, the right-handed power pitcher was extensively trained as a conventional starting pitcher. When he ultimately secured spots on the major league roster for brief trials in 2013 and 2014, he did so as a central pitcher, demonstrating a high-velocity fastball that suggested a promising future, despite his precise role remaining uncertain.

That significant breakthrough occurred in 2015 when the front office employed him as a versatile swingman. Colomé pitched a total of 109.2 innings over 43 appearances, including 13 starts, achieving a record of 8–5. While his performance in this role was adequate, an injury to closer Brad Boxberger during spring training prior to the 2016 season compelled Kevin Cash to adapt. Colomé was consequently positioned into the ninth-inning role, where he immediately altered the entire dynamic of the Tampa Bay bullpen.

Utilizing a formidable and incisive cutter, Colomé established himself as an exceptional force in the closing role. Throughout the 2016 season, he demonstrated dominance over American League batters, securing 37 saves with an outstanding 1.91 ERA and earning his inaugural selection to the All-Star Game. His significant breakout was reaffirmed in 2017 when he resumed his role as a reliable bullpen staple. Although his ERA increased modestly to a solid 3.24, his consistency in high-pressure situations reached its zenith as he successfully closed the game 47 times, leading Major League Baseball and setting a franchise record as the first pitcher to claim the title of Major League saves leader.

As his salary escalated in arbitration, the hyper-efficient Rays front office capitalized on his massive market value, trading the veteran closer to the Seattle Mariners in May 2018. With the Rays, Colomé appeared in 191 games (19 starts). He compiled a 17–15 record with 95 saves, a 3.14 ERA, and a 1.22 WHIP, registering 255 strikeouts over 273 innings pitched.