The Chase for Saves: A Love/Hate Proposition
The Shuffle Up series continues with relief pitchers, a position that’s both a critical and often frustrating part of any fantasy baseball team. The pursuit of saves can be a double-edged sword: when closers falter, they can drag your team down, sometimes even delivering negative value. This position is notorious for its high turnover rate, which means you need to be strategic and adaptable in your draft and waiver wire decisions. Over the years, I’ve seen leagues where the competition for saves turns into a brutal battle and others where managers are content to let the save category slide. Understanding the dynamics and past trends in your league will be crucial as you formulate your closer strategy for the 2025 season.
Relief Pitcher Overview: Drafting Closers with a Strategy
When it comes to drafting relief pitchers, I generally lean towards an Anchor RP approach. This means I want one primary closer I can rely on, and then I’ll pivot to a more value-driven strategy. I avoid being the first team to select a relief pitcher because I don’t want to sacrifice a high-impact hitter or starting pitcher early in my roster build. That’s why I prefer to call it the Anchor RP strategy rather than the Hero RP strategy. I also enjoy rostering a few non-closing relievers with high strikeout-to-walk ratios, but I believe these can often be found more cheaply during the season. The key is to keep a close eye on K/BB ratios, as new dominators will emerge every spring.
Tier 1: The Big Tickets
At the top of the rankings are the elite closers who provide stability and high save totals. Emmanuel Clase, for instance, has accumulated 133 saves over the past three years, more than any other reliever. Despite his 99 mph fastball, Clase’s strikeout rate is modest at 8.48 K/9, but his exceptional control and ground-ball tendencies align well with Cleveland’s defense. While he may not be the first reliever I draft, I understand why Clase is the top-priced option. Devin Williams, who had a phenomenal partial season in 2024 with a 1.25 ERA and 15.8 K/9, is another top-tier closer. The Yankees’ willingness to use him in high-leverage situations bodes well for his save opportunities, likely pushing him to 40 saves or more. Josh Hader, despite his recent struggles with home runs, remains a formidable presence with a high strikeout rate and the ability to pitch multiple innings. However, his erratic performance over the past few years makes him a less compelling target for my team.
Tier 2: Legitimate Building Blocks
In Tier 2, we find reliable closers who may not be as highly priced but still offer significant value. Jhoan Durán, for example, had a rough 2024 season, partly due to bad luck and manager Rocco Baldelli’s flexible approach to save situations. Despite this, his impressive strikeout rate and batted-ball profile suggest he’ll still rack up 20-30 saves. Félix Bautista, the presumptive closer for Milwaukee, is a bit of a wildcard due to his recent Tommy John surgery. While his Optimistic injury reports are encouraging, it’s wise to take them with a grain of salt. David Bednar, who is part of the Dodgers’ closer committee, is another intriguing option. His dominant stats over the past two seasons (2.04 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) make him a valuable asset even if he doesn’t secure every save. Trevor Megill, another left-hander with a strong track record, should be a safe bet for the ninth inning in Milwaukee, though his undisclosed health concerns add a layer of uncertainty.
Tier 3: Talk Them Up, Talk Them Down
Tier 3 consists of a mix of relievers with varying levels of potential and risk. Aroldis Chapman, a veteran with a fastball that still intimidates batters, is expected to be Boston’s closer. However, his high walk rate (14.4% in 2024) and the presence of other capable relievers like Liam Hendriks and Justin Slaten mean his hold on the role isn’t secure. Justin Martínez, a young flamethrower for Arizona, has the tools to be an excellent closer but struggles with control (11.7% walk rate). He recorded eight of the team’s 13 saves over the final two months of 2024, making him a strong candidate to start the season as the primary closer. A.J. Puk, who has had a rocky journey due to injuries, is another speculative play with upside. His solid performance in the past and the Dodgers’ willingness to use him in high-leverage situations make him an intriguing option.
Tier 4: The Bargain Bin
In the bargain bin, we find a plethora of relievers who can offer value without breaking the bank. Liam Hendriks, who has a strong track record of success, is a particularly interesting option at just $4. His potential to reclaim a closer role, especially with the White Sox, makes him a valuable late-round pick. Luke Weaver, another affordable choice, has shown flashes of brilliance and could be a surprise contender for saves. Michael Kopech, with his high strikeout rate and electric fastball, is a sleeper pick who could provide excellent ratios and a few saves. Tyler Kinley, Taylor Rogers, and Joel Payamps are other names to keep on your radar. They have the potential to emerge as key relievers for their respective teams, offering a mix of saves and solid ratios. Lastly, Camilo Doval and Jesús Tinoco, both known for their strikeout abilities, could be late-season gems if they find themselves in the right situations.
Closing Thoughts: Adapting Your Strategy
Ultimately, the relief pitcher position demands a nuanced approach. While I lean towards the Anchor RP strategy, it’s essential to be flexible and adapt to the dynamics of your league. Pay attention to team news, manager tendencies, and the health of your top targets. The one certainty in the world of relief pitching is that things can change quickly. Whether you’re in a league where saves are highly contested or where they are less of a priority, having a plan and being ready to adjust will be key to your success. Keep an eye on the K/BB ratios and leverage situations, and you’ll be well-positioned to navigate the volatile waters of the closer role.
