BALLER MOVE: Draft target ~pick 430
CURRENT ADP: ~500 overall
ANALYSIS: There's something about converted starters that really gets my blood pumping. Alzolay had some lofty expectations tied to him as a starter earlier in his career, but unfortunately, those never came to fruition. But there is certainly a silver lining here, as the Cubs announced he would be used exclusively as a reliever in 2023. The sample size isn't huge by any means but Alzolay does have a chunk of time as a reliever under his belt. Across 42.2 innings out of the pen, the 28-year-old boasts a 2.32 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 32.9 K%. Compare that to his 5.39 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 24.3 K% across 130 IP as a starter, and it's pretty clear that the Cubs are making the right decision.
Now consider the fact that the Cubs don't have a solidified closer, and we are cooking with hot gas. Yes, Brandon Hughes did well last season, but he's the only LHP currently projected in the bullpen. Yes, they signed Michael Fulmer, but he's just covered in Tigers stench and owns a career 19.7 K%. Yes, they also acquired Brad Boxberger, but he's 34 and hasn't been trusted as a team's closer since 2018. Okay, so maybe it's an uphill battle to the closer role for Alzolay, but you know what? The closer role won't even be necessary for him to be a fantasy asset. We'll still get a bunch of innings, plenty of wins, lots of strikeouts, great ratios, and perhaps a sprinkle of saves for the cherry on top.
More Fantasy Baseball Values and Sleepers
Hector Neris - Closers and Saves Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds (Week 4)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 46% of Leagues ANALYSIS: With the removal of Adbert Alzolay from the closer role for the Cubs after a fourth blown save already in the early going of 2024, an opportunity was created for another reliever to take over the job. Hector Neris was called upon... Read More
Hunter Goodman - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 5)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 15+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 1% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Colorado Rockies have promoted first base/outfield prospect Hunter Goodman from Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday. Infielder/outfielder Michael Toglia was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move. It's been a massive start to the 2024 season for the 24-year-old who has slugged seven... Read More
Garrett Cleavinger - Closers and Saves Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 3% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Garrett Cleavinger recorded his second save in four days for the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning to nail down the 7-5 victory over the Tigers. Cleavinger has been used as one of the team's closers ever since... Read More
Pete Crow-Armstrong - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: 14+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 7% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Chicago Cubs have recalled center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong from Triple-A Iowa due to the rib fracture Cody Bellinger suffered while slamming into the outfield wall on Tuesday. It's the second recall in the young career of Crow-Armstrong after he debuted with a hitless... Read More
Yariel Rodriguez - Starting Pitcher Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add only in dynasty leagues ROSTERED IN: 22% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Toronto Blue Jays were thrilled to land Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodriguez to a five-year deal this offseason. They weren't the only club interested in his services after he showed immense potential while pitching in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. The 27-year-old posted a... Read More
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!