The Fall and Rise of a Disgraced Closer: Trevor Gott's Journey Continues
The 2020 season was a blur of chaos and uncertainty, but one thing that stands out for San Francisco Giants fans is the unfortunate performance of Trevor Gott as their closer. It's easy to forget the struggles of that year, but Gott's performance was a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the team.
Despite a lack of closer experience, Gott was thrust into the role, and his initial performances were promising. However, things took a turn for the worse when he allowed eleven earned runs in just three appearances over four days, with the Giants losing each game by a single run. This was a devastating blow to the team's playoff hopes, as they missed out by just one game.
Gott's performance never quite recovered, and he was reassigned to the minors after that season. The Kentucky native then bounced around with various teams, pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2022 and the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets in 2023, his last appearance in the big leagues.
In 2024, Gott underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire season. He then reunited with the Mariners on a minor league deal in 2025, making 22 Triple-A appearances in Tacoma with an 8.20 ERA. Now, according to Ken Rosenthal, Gott has signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals, with the potential to impress during spring training and make the squad.
The Giants' bullpen situation remains uncertain, with questions about who will close and pitch the late innings. While adding low-cost depth pieces may be a wise strategy, the team's future as a whole is still up in the air. Despite the possibility of a reunion with Gott, it's unlikely that he will be the answer to their closer woes in 2026.
The story of Trevor Gott is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball and the resilience required to overcome setbacks. Will he make a successful comeback with the Nationals? Only time will tell, but his journey is certainly one to watch.
