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

2019 Bullpen Outlooks - American League Central

Bullpen outlooks and depth charts for the AL Central. David Marcillo analyzes each team's main relievers to give a sense of ADP value for 2019 fantasy baseball drafts.

Moving right along with our pre-season coverage of the bullpens around the league, let's give the American League Central a look. Most "baseball people" are predicting the AL Central to be one of the worst divisions in the league in 2019, but that doesn't mean there won't be plenty of fantasy value coming out of the bullpens.

While some of the AL Central teams have their closer already and no planned competition for the role in spring training, others have a wide open bullpen depth chart and may not even decide on a permanent closer until after the regular season begins.

Let's ride the bullpen cart through the bullpens of the American League Central. Be sure to also check out our full fantasy baseball closer depth charts for each team, including holds candidates and setup men.

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

 

Chicago White Sox

Closer: Alex Colome
Volatility Rating: Solid
Other Relevant RP:  Kelvin Herrera, Nate Jones, Jace Fry

The Chicago White Sox want to be a lot better in 2019 than they were in 2018. Their offseason moves show that while they've improved in most if not all aspects, they've focused a lot on their bullpen. They traded for Alex Colome and signed free agent Kelvin Herrera. Colome will presumably be the closer, as he saved 47 games his last time in the role. Last season, he earned 12 saves and 30 holds, pitching to a 3.04 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 68 innings. Herrera will be his primary setup man. When healthy, he's been dominant, but he's spent some time on the disabled list over the past few seasons. In 48 games last season, he posted a 2.44 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 44 1/3 innings.

Returning to the White Sox bullpen will be Nate Jones and Jace Fry, both solid relievers themselves. Jones missed a lot of last season, ending up with only 30 innings pitched, but he's shown signs of greatness before. Fry was actually the closer in Chicago for parts of last season and despite a pedestrian 4.38 ERA, he was able to rack up strikeouts, posting 70 in 51 1/3 innings of work.

Fantasy Must-Own: Alex Colome (all formats), Kelvin Herrera (holds leagues, as Colome's handcuff)

 

Cleveland Indians

Closer: Brad Hand
Volatility Rating: Solid
Other Relevant RP: Adam Cimber, Oliver Perez

The Cleveland Indians lost one of baseball's best relief pitchers when Andrew Miller signed with the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason. Still, Cleveland has a good back end of the bullpen with Brad Hand at closer and Adam Cimber and Oliver Perez working the late innings as well. Hand was excellent last year while splitting his season between Cleveland and San Diego, posting a 2.75 ERA with 32 saves and 106 strikeouts in 72 innings. He has the strongest hold of the ninth inning out of any closer in the AL Central.

Adam Cimber worked well in Cleveland last year too, putting up a 3.42 ERA with 12 holds and 58 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings. His unique delivery makes him a ground ball machine and usually limits big innings in late game situations. Oliver Perez, meanwhile, just keeps on pitching. Perez had a 1.39 ERA and 0.74 WHIP last season while recording 15 holds and striking out 43 batters (with only seven walks! Oliver Perez!) in 32 1/3 innings.

Fantasy Must-Own: Brad Hand (all formats), Oliver Perez (deeper holds leagues and leagues that count K%)

 

Detroit Tigers

Closer: Shane Greene
Volatility Rating: Questionable
Other Relevant RP: Joe Jimenez

The Tigers look like they're in for a long 2019 on the field, and on top of that, it doesn't seem like there will be too much fantasy value coming out of Detroit. The Tigers closer, Shane Greene, put up 32 saves last season and struck out 65 batters in 63 1/3 innings, but he held an unsightly 5.12 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. That might be "good enough" for a team not trying to compete, but it's certainly not someone you'd want on your fantasy team. Joe Jimenez is the likely top setup man behind Greene, and he'll of course have a chance to take over the role as early as spring training. For all we've heard about Jimenez's upside as the "closer of the future" for the Tigers, he had a pretty average 2018, posting 23 holds with a 4.31 ERA. He did strike out 78 in 62 2/3 innings, though.

Fantasy Must-Own: No one, although Joe Jimenez could have some strikeout upside if he ends up in the closer's role. Greene should only be owned in AL-only and deep mixed leagues.

 

Kansas City Royals

Closer: Wily Peralta
Volatility Rating: Questionable
Other Relevant RPs: Brad Boxberger

The Kansas City Royals finally figured out the best way to use Wily Peralta near the end of last season, placing him in the closer's role. He pitched well, but with some concerning signs at the same time. He ended up with 14 saves, a 3.67 ERA, and 35 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings. That's the good. The bad, though? He walked 23, leading to a 1.49 WHIP. Peralta certainly has the "stuff" to succeed as a closer, and since the only playoff plans the Royals are making in 2019 is whose house to go to to watch the games, Peralta could have a long leash in the ninth inning role.

The Royals did just sign Brad Boxberger though, so Peralta might have some spring training competition. Boxberger saved 32 games last season for Arizona, striking out 71 in 53 1/3 innings. His ERA was 4.39 and his WHIP was close to Peralta's: 1.43. The Royals won't have too many leads late in games in 2019, but they might have a hard time holding onto the ones they have. There's not much fantasy value here.

Fantasy Must-Own: None, although either Peralta or Boxberger should be owned in AL-only and deep mixed leagues.

 

Minnesota Twins

Closer: Trevor May
Volatility Rating: Questionable
Other Relevant RPs: Blake Parker, Addison Reed, Taylor Rogers

The Minnesota Twins have a chance to make some noise in the AL Central this season if a few things go their way. For instance, they have a bullpen full of guys with upside, but also with question marks. Their closer, at least presumably, will be Trevor May. May was brought up as a starter, but didn't fare well in that role and did a lot better last season as a short reliever. He ended up with three saves and five holds, posting a 3.20 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP while striking out 36 in 25 1/3 innings. If he's named the team's full-time closer, he has the upside to return some nice value in all fantasy formats.

The Twins signed Blake Parker this offseason to join the bullpen, and he's a solid reliever himself. Last season with the Angels, he saved 14 games and posted a 3.26 ERA while striking out 70 in 66 1/3 innings of work. He'll slide into a setup role, but could challenge May for save chances if May struggles. Addison Reed and Taylor Rogers will return to their late-inning setup roles as well, with Rogers the slightly better bet in holds leagues.

Fantasy Must-Own: Trevor May (if he gets the ninth inning), Blake Parker and Taylor Rogers (holds leagues only for now, Parker as May's potential handcuff)

More 2019 Fantasy Baseball Advice




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

Los Angeles Angels

Tyler Bremner Selected Second Overall in 2025 MLB Draft
Washington Nationals

Nationals Select Eli Willits First Overall
Cooper Flagg

Shut Down for Rest of Summer League
LeBron James

Hasn't Requested a Trade
Quinshon Judkins

Following Quinshon Judkins Arrest, NFL Declines Comment
Travis Hunter

Earning Praise in Jaguars Camp for Work Ethic
Memphis Grizzlies

Cole Anthony, Grizzlies Agree to Contract Buyout
Edward Cabrera

Hopeful to Avoid Injured List
Oneil Cruz

Absent on Sunday
Lars Nootbaar

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Jake Burger

Scratched on Sunday
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Back in Action on Sunday
Sean Manaea

Reinstated From Injured List
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Julius Chestnut

Kalel Mullings Competing for RB3 Role
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
Carlos Correa

Returns to Twins Lineup
Connor Norby

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Kimani Vidal

Fighting for No. 3 Job
Cam Hart

Recovering From Shoulder Surgery
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
Quentin Johnston

Might Not Get Many Chances to Prove Himself
Tre Harris

Officially a Holdout
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. Should Move Up on Sunday
Ross Chastain

is a Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Josh Berry

Should Be Avoided in Fantasy at Sonoma
Chris Buescher

is A Great DFS Option to Consider for Sonoma Lineups
Riley Herbst

a Deep Sleeper at Sonoma
Joey Logano

May be A Sneaky DFS Option Who Can Pay Off for Sonoma Lineups
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric Work for DFS Lineups at Sonoma?
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Worth Rostering For Sonoma DFS Lineups?
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek A Sneaky DFS Play for Sonoma?
AJ Allmendinger

A.J. Allmendinger Probably More Valuable for DFS If He Doesn't Flip the Stage
Alec Bohm

Unlikely to Play on Sunday
Travis Etienne Jr.

Needs to Bounce Back in 2025
Wan'Dale Robinson

Wants More Downfield Opportunities this Season
Brady House

Homers Twice on Saturday
Quinshon Judkins

Arrested on Saturday for Battery and Domestic Violence
Alec Bohm

Makes Early Exit on Saturday
Brandon Woodruff

Records 10 Strikeouts
Byron Buxton

Continues to Shine, Hits for Cycle in Win
Garrett Crochet

Dazzles in Complete Game Shutout of Rays
Terry McLaurin

Could be a Holdout at Training Camp
Roger McCreary

a Candidate for a Contract Extension?
Max Fried

Exits Start With Blister
Mike Evans

Buccaneers Could Have Difficult Time Retaining Mike Evans
Charles Cross

Could Sign Extension Before Training Camp
Xavier Restrepo

One to Watch Going into Training Camp
Calvin Ridley

Appears Re-Energized
Mark Andrews

Still a Key Piece in Ravens Offense
Ndamukong Suh

Officially Announces his Retirement
Jaylen Waddle

Motivated After Disappointing Season
Tre Harris

Still Unsigned
Hunter Dobbins

to Miss Rest of Season With Torn ACL
Nolan Arenado

Held Out of Lineup on Saturday
Alexandre Sarr

Plays Well in Summer League Loss to Phoenix
Yang Hansen

Looks Good on Friday Night
Carlos Correa

Sitting on Saturday
Austin Riley

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Kon Knueppel

Struggles in Summer League Win
Walter Clayton Jr.

Plays Well on Friday Night
Cody Williams

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Leads the Way on Friday Night
Sauce Gardner

Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Isaiah Jackson

Signs Three-Year Extension
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
Herbert Jones

Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
Dalton Knecht

Avoids Serious Injury
Javon Small

Signs Two-Way Deal
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF