Brett Cecil has emerged over the last two seasons as one of baseball's elite relief pitchers, and the 28-year-old wants the opportunity in 2015 to handle the ninth inning for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays are expected to consider both Cecil and prospect Aaron Sanchez this spring for the vacant closer role, and the bespectacled left-hander emphasized Sunday his desire to land the gig.

"Absolutely, I want it," Cecil told MLB.com's Gregor Chisolm. "I don't think I necessarily have to prove anything. I can't go out there and tank spring training, but I think they know I can do it."

Though Cecil struggled as a starter earlier in his career, the former first-round pick has thrived since converting to a relief role in 2013. Over last two seasons, Cecil boasts a 30.2 percent strikeout rate that ranks 15th-best among relievers while posting a 2.76 ERA (146 ERA+) across 126 relief appearances.

Cecil has also ameliorated the platoon splits that contributed to his struggles as a starter, as the southpaw limited right-handed batters to a .569 OPS last season and didn't surrender a single home run in 143 plate appearances.