🖥 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE NEW
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 draft 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

Isaiah Stewart

Might Miss Saturday's Game
Cade Cunningham

Questionable Versus Clippers
Andrew Nembhard

in Danger of Missing Another Game
Kawhi Leonard

Questionable for Saturday Night
Isaiah Stewart

Downgraded to Questionable Saturday with Illness
Rui Hachimura

Optimistic to Return vs. Kings
RJ Barrett

Ruled Out for Remainder of Friday with Ankle Injury
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Exits in Second Quarter Friday
Robert Williams III

Exits Early Friday With Knee Injury
Tari Eason

Exits Friday with Ankle Sprain
Kevin Huerter

May Miss Saturday's Game vs. Mavericks
Julian Champagnie

May Sit Saturday vs. Boston
Mark Scheifele

Scores Twice as Jets End Skid
Jalen Smith

Could Sit Again Saturday
Ace Bailey

Misses Second Straight Game
John Carlson

Records Two Assists Friday
Isaiah Jackson

Absence Extends to 10 Games
Karel Vejmelka

Picks Up Win No. 20
Mike Conley

Ruled Out Saturday for Rest
Clayton Keller

Dishes Out Three Assists Friday
Jamie Benn

to Remain Out Saturday
Ilya Mikheyev

Expected to Play Saturday
Alexander Kerfoot

Sustains Upper-Body Injury Friday
Brandon Williams

Won't Play Saturday
P.J. Washington

to Remain Out Saturday
LeBron James

Ready to Face Bucks
Andrew Nembhard

Could Miss Another Game Saturday
Jusuf Nurkić

Jusuf Nurkic Uncertain for Saturday
John Klingberg

Could Return Sunday
Noah Laba

Could Return Saturday
Travis Konecny

a Game-Time Call Saturday
Kevin Stenlund

Available Friday
Anze Kopitar

Misses Second Consecutive Game
Aliaksei Protas

Back in Action Friday
Connor Bedard

Returns to Action Friday Night
Max Kepler

Receives 80-Game PED Suspension
CFB

Cam Coleman Visiting Alabama on Friday
Omarion Hampton

Expects to Play Sunday Night
CFB

Eric Singleton Jr. Enters Transfer Portal, Trending to Land at Florida
CFB

NCAA Denies Trinidad Chambliss a Sixth Year of Eligibility
Omarion Hampton

Questionable for Wild-Card Weekend
Kyle Tucker

Mets Remain in Mix for Kyle Tucker
Ketel Marte

Will Remain With Diamondbacks
Rashee Rice

to be Reviewed Under League's Conduct Policy
Travis Konecny

Suffers Upper-Body Injury Thursday
Blake Coleman

Makes Early Exit for Precautionary Reasons
Carter Hart

Sustains Lower-Body Injury Thursday
Joel Eriksson Ek

Out Day-to-Day
Joel Kiviranta

Labeled Week-to-Week
Brendan Smith

Out for 3-4 Months After Surgery
SJ

Sharks Acquire Laurent Brossoit
Daniel Jones

Colts Plan to Re-Sign Daniel Jones
Davante Adams

Off the Injury Report, Will Play Against Carolina
Bo Bichette

Phillies to Meet With Bo Bichette
Rome Odunze

Will Return for Wild-Card Game on Saturday
CFB

DJ Lagway Commits to Baylor
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Fire Head Coach Mike McDaniel
Sam LaPorta

Plans to be Back for Training Camp
Owen Caissie

Shipped to Miami as Centerpiece of Trade
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Officially Acquire Edward Cabrera From Marlins
Rome Odunze

Plans to Play on Saturday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Finalizing Deal to Acquire Edward Cabrera From Marlins
New York Giants

Giants "All-In" on Hiring John Harbaugh
CFB

Jackson Arnold Signs with UNLV
CFB

Sam Leavitt Scheduled to Visit Tennessee
New York Giants

John Harbaugh Expected to be Favorite to Become New Giants Head Coach
Baltimore Ravens

John Harbaugh Won't Return as Ravens Head Coach
Bo Bichette

Unlikely to Return to Toronto?
Jordan Love

Ready to Start in Wild-Card Game Against Bears
CFB

Jadan Baugh Staying with Florida for Junior Season
Washington Commanders

Commanders "Mutually" Parting Ways With OC Kliff Kingsbury
CFB

Byrum Brown Officially Commits to Auburn
CFB

Austin Simmons Signing with Missouri
CFB

Ty Simpson Undecided on 2026 Plans
CFB

Quarterback AJ Hill Following Ryan Silverfield to Arkansas
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Have Requested an Interview With Klint Kubiak
Deshaun Watson

Browns Expect Deshaun Watson to be on the Team Next Year
Wan'Dale Robinson

Dealing With Fractured Ribs
Cam Skattebo

Hopes to be Back by Training Camp
Cameron Ward

Won't Need Surgery on his Shoulder
Davante Adams

Rams Expect Davante Adams to Return in Wild-Card Round
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Fire Head Coach Jonathan Gannon
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss Will Return to Ole Miss If Granted Sixth Year of Eligibility
Bo Bichette

Phillies Have Interest in Bo Bichette
Kansas City Royals

Matt Quatraro Signs Three-Year Extension With Royals

RANKINGS

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