If you happen to play in an enlightened fantasy baseball league you may already be incorporating holds. These relievers all get a big bump if so. If you’re still using saves alone like a neanderthal these guys are still worth having on your radar for their given boosts. The parade of arm soreness has begun in earnest. Consider these names in a pinch if/when you lose a starter.

Closers In Waiting

The next men up for saves. One break just needs to go their way.

K It Up

Get a category enhancer from these high K/9 strikeout artists.

Ratio Darlings

These guys may not earn saves, but they can help smooth your ratios.

Long Men

Hard up for starters? An effective long man can bridge a gap until you find someone.

The Joker

  • Josh Hader – You want someone who checks all of the boxes above? Hader’s your man.
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Miles
Miles
4 years ago

good stuff. I like how you made specific categories

Roto-Wan
Roto-Wan
Reply to  Miles
4 years ago

Thanks..I thought it would be helpful.

Longbeachyo
Longbeachyo
4 years ago

Nice work! I’ve noticed more and more leagues adding holds as a stat, or at least holds+saves… Would you be willing to give us some rankings, say top ten of the names above based on holds+saves?

Roto-Wan
Roto-Wan
Reply to  Longbeachyo
4 years ago

Holds are less predictable since the role tends to be less defined. I like targeting guys that can contribute Ks or ratios even when they don’t earn holds. The shortlist is Hader, Betances, Pressly, Familia, Ottavino, Jones, and Kela.

Longbeachyo
Longbeachyo
Reply to  Roto-Wan
4 years ago

Awesome. Thanks man.

Harley Earl
Harley Earl
4 years ago

Good stuff here. Agree with your assessments. Bullpens can be very tricky to negotiate but I think you’re right on the money

Roto-Wan
Roto-Wan
Reply to  Harley Earl
4 years ago

Thanks.

Raider
Raider
4 years ago

Do you see Trevor May still outside looking in at blake parker? What are the odds he starts the years as the sole closer?

Roto-Wan
Roto-Wan
Reply to  Raider
4 years ago

There’s a bunch of guys with a shot to close for them. The horse I’m backing is greed. May is under team control and will cost more at the arb table if he earns saves. They go to him if the other guys falter, but probably not first.