🖥 CYBER WEEK - TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE CYBER
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

2017 MLB Closer Depth Chart: National League West

by Bob James

David Marcillo examines closer depth charts in the NL West, projecting saves and holds opportunities for fantasy baseball owners in the 2017 MLB season.

The National League West is another top-heavy division, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants again sure to make things interesting all the way to the end of the season. The Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies would need tons of things to go right to have a chance to compete, and the lowly San Diego Padres are projected to be the worst team in baseball in 2017, with many projections putting them over 100 losses. Still, there are pitchers with fantasy value coming from each and every NL West team.

Today we are here to discuss the closer depth chart for the NL West, including fantasy baseball items like closers, saves and holds. To read about the other divisions, just click here.

Here's a look at the back of the bullpen depth charts for the division.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Arizona Diamondbacks

Closer: Fernando Rodney

Volatility Rating: Extremely Volatile (like a Fernando Rodney ninth inning)

Other Relevant RPs: Jake Barrett, Randall Delgado, Enrique Burgos

The Arizona Diamondbacks, for some reason, signed 40-year-old reliever Fernando Rodney to a one year, $2.75 million contract to be their closer. Rodney was excellent in the NL West last season, pitching to a pristine 0.31 ERA in 28 2/3 innings with the Padres before being traded to the Miami Marlins and putting up a putrid 5.89 ERA in 36 2/3 innings. If he can pitch for the DBacks like he did for the Padres, he'll obviously be an excellent closer worthy of a spot in every fantasy league. However, Rodney is known about as well for his inconsistency as he is for his arrows after a save. His position as closer is one of the most volatile in the league, making him less than a must-own in standard formats. In deeper leagues or NL-only, he's worth a look simply based on position scarcity.

Jake Barrett worked as Arizona's closer for a period last season, and overall pitched to a 3.49 ERA with 56 strikeouts in 59 1/3 innings. He walked 28 in that span and posted a 1.26 WHIP. None of those numbers are ideal closer numbers, but he may be the guy Arizona turns to if (when?) Rodney falters. Another option would be Enrique Burgos. Burgos was also riding the Arizona closer carousel for a bit last season, but despite over a strikeout per inning (43 Ks in 41 1/3), he posted an ugly 5.66 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. He seems to have "closer stuff" but that doesn't matter if guys are walking and getting hits in bunches. Burgos has a chance to put it together, but he's not even a deep league option at this point. The DBacks bullpen could be one of the worst in baseball in 2017.

Fantasy must-own: None

Worth fantasy consideration: Fernando Rodney (NL-only and deep mixed leagues)

 

Colorado Rockies

Closer: Adam Ottavino

Volatility Rating: Questionable

Other Relevant RPs: Jake McGeeGreg Holland

The Colorado Rockies always have a hard time assembling a solid pitching staff due to playing their home games in the thin air of Denver. Their bullpen, at least, looks like it could be a strong point this season, however. Adam Ottavino is set to enter the Spring as the team's closer after saving seven games last season. He posted a 2.67 ERA and nice tidy 0.93 WHIP in 27 innings, striking out 35. The Rockies also signed former Kansas City Royals closer Greg Holland to strengthen their bullpen corps. Holland is coming off of Tommy John Surgery and experienced significantly diminished velocity, so what he'll be able to do remains mostly a mystery. If he's the old Greg Holland and Ottavino falters, there's an excellent chance he'll take over the ninth inning. Still, Ottavino will have the job heading into camp, and would have to lose it himself first, regardless of Holland's performance.

Lefty Jake McGee is another late inning option despite his struggles last season, his first in Colorado. He saved 15 games with a 4.73 ERA and 1.58 WHIP. He wasn't good overall, but has closing experience and may step in if necessary. While trusting any Colorado pitcher is a hard sell, Ottavino is the one to own from the Rockies bullpen for now and maybe for the whole season.

Fantasy must-own: Adam Ottavino (all formats assuming a strong Spring)

Worth fantasy consideration: Jake McGee (holds leagues), Greg Holland (holds leagues and as Ottavino's handcuff)

 

Los Angeles Dodgers

Closer: Kenley Jansen

Volatility Rating: Rock Solid

Other Relevant RPs: Pedro BaezGrant Dayton, Sergio Romo

The Los Angeles Dodgers are projected to be one of the best teams in baseball in 2017, and they have the elite closer that an elite team needs. After flirting with the Miami Marlins and a few other teams, Kenley Jansen eventually re-signed with the Dodgers on a five year, $80 million deal. Last season, he saved 47 games with a 1.83 ERA and a ridiculous 0.67 WHIP. His 104 strikeouts in 68 2/3 innings were excellent as well. He enters the season with as strong a hold on the closer role as anyone in baseball. Not only because of how great he is, but also because of how mediocre the rest of the Dodgers bullpen is. Pedro Baez is the team's primary setup man, and that sound you just heard was the collective groan of millions of Dodgers fans nationwide. Baez put up respectable numbers- a 3.04 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 83 strikeouts in 74 innings to go with 23 holds- but seemed to choke when it mattered most, blowing several games for the Dodgers in critical moments. Still, he should be a decent source of holds and could get the first chance at the ninth inning if Jansen gets hurt.

Grant Dayton is another interesting bullpen arm in Los Angeles. He came out of nowhere last season to post a 2.05 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, and 39 strikeouts in only 26 1/3 innings. He's unlikely to work any ninth innings, but he should be a good source of holds and will likely go undrafted in most leagues. Finally, Sergio Romo recently joined the Dodgers, signing a free agent contract after spending his entire career with the rival San Francisco Giants. He'll work in a setup role for the Dodgers and should be a good source of holds as well.

Fantasy must-own: Kenley Jansen (every league ever)

Worth fantasy consideration: Pedro Baez, Grant Dayton, Sergio Romo (all three in holds leagues)

 

San Diego Padres

Closer: Brandon Maurer

Volatility Rating: Slightly Volatile

Other Relevant RPs: Carter Capps, Ryan Buchter

The San Diego Chargers had a bad season, then announced that they were moving to Los Angeles. The San Diego Padres are almost certainly going to have an even worse season, but the only good sign is they definitely won't be moving once they've made their fans suffer through it. The Padres are currently projected to be the worst team in baseball in 2017, with many projection systems putting them beyond 100 losses. Still, there are some intriguing arms in the San Diego bullpen. Brandon Maurer ended last season as the team's closer and enters this season in the same spot. He saved 13 games last season and put up a 4.52 ERA/1.26 WHIP with 72 strikeouts in 69 2/3 innings. None of those numbers are great, but as the incumbent closer, he enters camp with a decent hold on the job.

An actually elite relief pitcher waits in the wings, however, as Carter Capps is hopping and skipping back from Tommy John Surgery. Capps, acquired from the Miami Marlins for what amounts to the change in between couch cushions for a Major League team, posted an unreal 1.16 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 31 innings in 2015 before missing all of the 2016 season. He's an absolutely dominant reliever and should be ready for the beginning of the season. He'll start off as a late inning setup man, but could quickly work his way into the closer role, where he'd immediately be an elite option despite the overall woes of the Padres as a team. Ryan Buchter also has an outside shot at fantasy relevance, but will more likely work in middle relief. If elevated to a setup role, however, he would be a worthwhile add in deeper holds leagues.

Fantasy must-owns: None for now, Carter Capps perhaps soon

Worth fantasy consideration: Brandon Maurer (deep leagues and NL-only), Carter Capps (K/9 leagues and standard deep or NL-only leagues)

 

San Francisco Giants

Closer: Mark Melancon

Volatility Rating: Solid

Other Relevant RPs: Hunter Strickland, Will Smith, Derek Law

The San Francisco Giants bullpen was an absolute dumpster fire last season, costing the team several games and eventually a chance to advance in the post season. So they went out and did something about it, signing closer Mark Melancon to a four year, $62 million dollar contract. Melancon saved 47 games last season while putting up a 1.64 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP. His strikeout numbers have always been solid but never elite, but Melancon is still an excellent fantasy closer regardless.

Hunter Strickland and Will Smith are both solid choices in holds leagues, but Derek Law may actually be the "next man up" for the ninth inning role if Melancon were to suffer any kind of injury. For now, Melancon should be owned throughout all of fantasy baseball, with Strickland and Smith owned in holds leagues and Law on watch lists.

Fantasy must-owns: Mark Melancon (all formats)

Worth fantasy consideration: Hunter Strickland, Will Smith (both in holds leagues)

 

More Bullpens & Closers Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Quinten Post

Set to Suit Up Versus Philadelphia
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Will Play on Thursday Night
Joel Embiid

Back on Thursday Night
Al Horford

Available on Thursday
Jonathan Kuminga

Cleared for Action on Thursday Night
Jusuf Nurkić

Jusuf Nurkic Out of Action Thursday
Terance Mann

Available Versus Utah
Kirill Marchenko

Returns From Four-Game Absence
De'Anthony Melton

to be Capped at 20 Minutes on Thursday
Carter Verhaeghe

Ready to Return Thursday
Scott Wedgewood

Skips Thursday's Game
Paolo Banchero

Upgraded to Questionable for Friday Night
Danila Yurov

Misses Second Straight Game
CFB

Billy Napier Finalizing Deal to Become James Madison's New Head Coach
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Unavailable Thursday
CFB

Buster Faulkner Set to Become Florida's New Offensive Coordinator
Dereck Lively II

to Seek "Multiple Opinions" on Right Foot Treatment
David Pastrnak

Still Out Thursday
Ryan McDonagh

Lightning Sign Ryan McDonagh to Three-Year Extension
Trayce Jackson-Davis

Set to Suit Up Thursday
Ja Morant

Considered Day-to-Day
Tee Higgins

Ready to Return After Full Practice?
Jimmy Butler III

Sidelined Thursday
Jayden Daniels

Practices in Full on Thursday
Jaylen Brown

Ruled Out Thursday Against the Wizards
Lamar Jackson

Expected to Play Against Steelers
Quentin Grimes

Is Ready to Return on Thursday
Deshaun Watson

Not Expected to Play This Year
Paul George

Will Not Play Against the Warriors
Joel Embiid

Upgraded to Questionable for Thursday
CFB

Joe Sloan Expected to be Kentucky's New Offensive Coordinator
Justin Herbert

Chargers "Really Optimistic" That Justin Herbert Will Play on Monday
Michael Porter Jr.

Will Not Play Thursday
CFB

Lane Kiffin Working to Keep Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker at LSU
Noa Essengue

Out for the Season
Mike Evans

has "Real Chance" to Return in Week 14
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Expected To Miss 2-4 Weeks
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Realistic Expectation is for Amon-Ra St. Brown to Return Next Week
Jalen Carter

Won't Play in Week 14 After Having Shoulder Surgeries
Justin Herbert

Expected to Practice Either Thursday or Friday
Mike Evans

Practicing Again Thursday
Jusuf Nurkić

Jusuf Nurkic Questionable With Rib Contusion
Marcus Smart

Sidelined Thursday Against Raptors
CFB

Brian Daboll a Candidate for Penn State Head-Coaching Job?
Karel Vejmelka

Records Impressive Shutout
JJ Peterka

Rocks Ducks With Four-Point Effort
Cole Caufield

Extends Point Streak With Power-Play Assist
Matvei Michkov

Delivers Two Assists Wednesday
Jake Oettinger

Grabs Fourth Consecutive Victory With Shutout
Ryan Leonard

Tallies Four Points in Wednesday's Win
Cam York

Exits Win Early
Kyren Williams

Expected to Play in Week 14
Davante Adams

Expected to Play Despite Missing Wednesday's Practice
Kyle Tucker

Visits With Blue Jays
Woody Marks

Texans Say Woody Marks Will be Fine
Rasmus Ristolainen

to Miss at Least One More Week
Drew Doughty

Logs Full Practice Wednesday
Emilio Pagán

Reds Bring Back Closer Emilio Pagan on Two-Year Deal
Jeff Skinner

Remains Sidelined Wednesday
Petr Mrazek

Out 2-3 Weeks
Tyler Seguin

Likely Done for the Season
Neal Pionk

Returns to Jets Lineup
J.J. McCarthy

Practices in Full, on Track to Return in Week 14
Cedric Mullins

Rays Agree on One-Year Deal
Mark Andrews

Agrees to Three-Year Extension With Ravens
Freddy Peralta

Brewers Considering Trading Freddy Peralta
Kyle Schwarber

Reds Serious About Adding Kyle Schwarber in Free Agency?
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Officially Questionable for Thursday Night
Omarion Hampton

"on Track and Looking Good" for Week 14
CFB

Brent Key Signing Five-Year Deal to Remain at Georgia Tech
Joey Bosa

Week-to-Week With Hamstring Injury
Bryce Young

Panthers Expected to Pick Up Bryce Young's Fifth-Year Option
Deshaun Watson

Browns Opening Practice Window for Deshaun Watson
CFB

Brian Hartline Expected to Land USF Head-Coaching Job
CFB

Collin Klein Expected to be Top Target for Kansas State if Head-Coach Job Opens
CFB

Chris Klieman Considering Stepping Down at Kansas State
Alexander Wennberg

a Game-Time Call Wednesday
CFB

D.J. Durkin Staying at Auburn Under Alex Golesh
CFB

Charlie Weis Jr. Permitted to Coach Ole Miss Offense in College Football Playoff
CFB

Five-Star Quarterback Jared Curtis Flips Commitment From Georgia to Vanderbilt
CFB

Florida Hiring Brad White as Defensive Coordinator
Kyle Schwarber

Giants Have Checked in on Kyle Schwarber
Willson Contreras

Willing to Waive his Full No-Trade Clause?
Edwin Díaz

Mets Still Interested in Re-Signing Edwin Diaz
Devin Williams

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Mets
Cole Ragans

Red Sox Targeting Cole Ragans in a Trade?
CFB

Kentucky Hires Oregon Offensive Coordinator Will Stein As Head Coach
CFB

Kalani Sitake the Top Target for Penn State Coaching Job
CFB

Josh Heupel Says He's Not a Candidate for Penn State Head Coach Job
CFB

Will Stein, Brian Hartline the Top Candidates for Kentucky Job?
CFB

Nebraska Fires Defensive Coordinator John Butler After One Season
CFB

UCLA Expected to Hire Bob Chesney as Next Head Coach
CFB

Lane Kiffin to Make $13 Million Salary, Ties Kirby Smart
CFB

Buster Faulkner, Joey Halzle Candidates for Florida Offensive Coordinator Job?
Zack Wheeler

Likely to Return in May
Ryan Helsley

Agrees to Two-Year Deal With Orioles

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP