Closers are an unstable commodity that are constantly on edge of a breakdown but provide one of the key categories for fantasy. Each Friday we will provide new top 30 rankings of closers including players on the hot seat and our favorite speculative handcuffs. Let’s get started.
Closer Rankings
Handcuff Rankings
David Robertson
David Robertson has been great since the beginning of this season having yet to give up a run but where his draw as a handcuff really comes is how much Jose Leclerc has struggled. Despite being the closer down the homestretch for the World Series Champion Rangers, Leclerc started the season in the hot seat and has absolutely nothing to help maintain the closer title. If I were to bet who gets the next save opportunity I’d expect it to be Robertson.
Hunter Harvey
HunterHarvey showed down the stretch last year how solid of a reliever he can be posting a sub 3 era with 10 saves and greater than 1 strikeout per inning. Kyle Finnegan is an okay reliever but definitely not a back of the bullpen guy which I strongly believe Harvey can be. Finnegan has done nothing to hold down the job to start this year. I expect Harvey to snag the closer title and run away with it.
Tyler Kinley
Tyler Kinley is the worst pitcher on this handcuff list however after Justin Lawrence’s poor beginning of the season he may get a chance to close sooner than later. If he can convert a few saves he may take over the job. The Rockies have a pathetic bullpen and I think anyone in the bullpen is only worth rostering if you are desperate for saves. Do not expect good ratios or numbers.
Aroldis Chapman
Aroldis Chapman is back at it throwing up over 100mph and striking out people at a high rate. David Bednar is an all star but has struggled (2 BSV) to get on track so far this season after having a lat injury to begin the spring. If Bednar needs a little time out of high leverage positions, Chapman may get a closer opportunity. Most likely unless Bednar gets hurt or traded he will stay a high upside handcuff.
Jason Adam
It seems every year that Peter Fairbanks gets hurt as his stuff is too good for a human arm to handle. Jason Adam has incredible stuff and can be a great closer given opportunity. This is just a handcuff in case Fairbanks gets hurt or has issues with his Reynauds to start the year.
Brock Stewart
There was a big debate to begin the season if Brock Stewart or Griffin Jax would get the saves opportunities in Minnesota. Jax has gotten the early opportunities with Jhoan Duran out but if Jax stumbles Stewart has been great out of the gates striking out 15 per 9 innings. He will continue to pitch in high leverage for now.
Injury Stashes
Jordan Romano
Jordan Romano is the best stud closer who has a closer proximity to returning to the bullpen. He plays for a good team, strikes out a lot of players and should be a good bet for plenty of saves. Expected return: April 15
Jhoan Duran
Jhoan Duran has incredible arm talent but oblique strains can linger. Throwing over 100 can definitely lead to difficulty returning since the oblique is so important for high velocity pitchers. He will be a stud once he does finally return. Expected return: at the earliest April 28
Paul Sewald
Paul Sewald was expected to get plenty of saves for the NL pennant winners however he also had an oblique strain. See above with Duran but a grade 2 oblique strain can take 2 months or greater to return. Expected return: at the earliest April 22
Devin Williams
What a shame to lose one of if not the best reliever in the game the week before the season starts. Back stress fractures are not fun for the player or our fantasy teams. Devin Williams will be expected to regain his closer role but also could be traded at some point if he can show some health once he does return. Expected return: June 14
Robert Stephenson
Robert Stephenson Definitely has the best overall stuff in the Angels bullpen. Estevez will hold the role for now but if he has a few hiccups in a row don’t be surprised to see Stephenson get a shot and with his sheer stuff he can be a high upside closer. Expected return: April 19
