Maurer -- who is going to make his spring training debut Friday -- will compete with Carter Capps for the closer role in San Diego.
While his 4.52 ERA looks poor on paper, Maurer settled in nicely as closer in the second half last season, posting a respectable 3.09 ERA after taking over the role. Still, the 26-year-old didn't build enough goodwill to simply have the job handed to him. A healthy Capps will give him more than enough competition, so how Maurer performs in Cactus League action could dictate which reliever manager Andy Green decides to roll with come Opening Day. The former is dealing with a comeback from Tommy John surgery as well as a potential change in delivery due to new MLB rules, so Maurer should be considered the early favorite to win the job.