The Unrelenting Struggle Against Yahoo Fantasy Baseball
Despite my tireless efforts, Yahoo has doggedly refused to remove either pitchers or saves from the default version of fantasy baseball, ensuring another season of unnecessary agony. My battle continues, but it seems the corporate powers that be have formed a formidable alliance against me. Saves, while a staple of fantasy baseball, are often the most frustrating and unpredictable category. Yet, they are consistently available throughout the season, making it a questionable strategy to draft them early. The waiver wire is a never-ending source of saves from March to September, so it’s perfectly reasonable to approach this category with a more measured and strategic mindset.
Tier 1: The Fear-Mongers
Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians, with an average draft position (ADP) of 37.6, Devin Williams of the New York Yankees (45.3), and Josh Hader of the Houston Astros (51.0) are the cream of the crop when it comes to closers. Their job security, rare talent, and minimal blemishes make them highly valuable. However, drafting any of these closers within the first few rounds is a clear indication of fear. The draft range from Kyle Schwarber to C.J. Abrams is brimming with hitters who can impact multiple categories, and it’s insane to sacrifice that potential for a closer. Saves are a commodity you can always find later in the draft, often hundreds of picks later, so consider prioritize hitting early and then circle back to the bullpen.
Tier 2: Mild Cowards
The next tier of closers, including Edwin Díaz of the New York Mets (55.6), Mason Miller of the Athletics (60.0), Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves (63.0), Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals (66.6), is also highly talented. But are they so essential that you should concede the game-breaking upside of players like Wyatt Langford, Oneil Cruz, James Wood, or Matt McLain to another manager? Not really. The idea that you need to lock in saves early is a fallacy, and there are plenty of quality options available later. This tier might offer a bit of comfort, but it’s still a manifestation of mild cowardice. You can and should do better.
Tier 3: The Legitimate Temptation
Félix Bautista of the Baltimore Orioles (78.2), Jhoan Durán of the Minnesota Twins (86.5), Andres Muñoz of the Seattle Mariners (87.9), Ryan Walker of the San Francisco Giants (99.6), Robert Suárez of the San Diego Padres (100.5), and Tanner Scott of the Los Angeles Dodgers (103.2) are the closest to being the true value picks in the closer department. Each of these relievers has the skill and situation to finish as a top-three reliever, potentially delivering 35 or more saves. They also have the potential to elevate to a higher tier in the coming year. If you find yourself with a couple of picks in this range, it’s a legitimate temptation to snag one of these closers. They offer a good balance between job security and value, making them solid choices for a saves-strategy without breaking the bank early.
Tier 4: The Closer Dead Zone
Welcome to the closer dead zone, where draft picks are plentiful, but the risk is high. This group includes Alexis Díaz of the Cincinnati Reds (130.1), Jeff Hoffman of the Toronto Blue Jays (134.5), Trevor Megill of the Milwaukee Brewers (134.8), Pete Fairbanks of the Tampa Bay Rays (147.5), Ryan Pressly of the Chicago Cubs (149.2), Kenley Jansen of the Los Angeles Angels (167.6), David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates (167.9), Carlos Estévez of the Kansas City Royals (168.3), Justin Martínez of the Arizona Diamondbacks (178.8), and Jordan Romano of the Philadelphia Phillies (183.4). While it’s tempting to tell yourself a great story about any of these pitchers, their situations are often more fragile than stable. Most will start the season as the presumed closer but could easily lose the role due to poor performance or injury. Despite the risks, this tier can offer some hidden gems. Guys like Fairbanks and Martínez, for instance, have the potential to surprise and could be key to winning your league.
Tier 5: The Dread Zone
Tier 5 is a place where immediate dread and anxiety are the norm. Chris Martin of the Texas Rangers (193.9), Liam Hendriks of the Boston Red Sox (208.1), Jason Foley of the Detroit Tigers (225.9), and Calvin Faucher of the Miami Marlins (238.1) are all in precarious positions when it comes to holding the ninth-inning role. They might start the season as closers, but the likelihood of them maintaining that status is slim. Hendriks, in particular, has a history of injuries and poor performance, making him a high-risk, low-reward pick. However, the thrill of a midseason closer call-up can be exhilarating. If one of these relievers manages to secure 20 or more saves, you might just have a legendary fantasy ride on your hands. Just be prepared for the rollercoaster.
Tier 6: An Objective Bad Idea
Finally, we have Tier 6, which is an objectively bad idea. This tier includes relievers like Kinley from the Colorado bullpen and Seth Halvorsen. Drafting anyone from this tier is a recipe for disaster. These pitchers have little to no job security and are unlikely to contribute significantly to your saves total. If you find yourself reaching for these players, consider re-evaluating your draft strategy. It’s often better to take a chance on another position or a non-closing reliever who can provide useful ratios. In the end, self-respect should guide your draft decisions, and there’s no honor in drafting from this tier. If the idea of a White Sox bullpen player becomes a serious consideration, it might be time to take a break and let the auto-draft handle things.
