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Below you will find our rest of season tiered rankings for relief pitchers. This list was constructed reflecting the probability of trades being completed between now and the MLB trade deadline. Obviously a bird in hand is better than two in the bush, but it feels necessary to account for potential moves and the impact it will have on that player's projections. Let's get to it.
Editor’s Note: You can check out all of RotoBaller’s fantasy baseball midseason rankings and analysis, which has been updated over the past few days.
More rankings: Starting Pitchers (Part 1), Starting Pitchers (Part 2), First Base (1B), Second Base (2B), Third Base (3B), Shortstop (SS), Catcher (C), Outfielders (Part 1), Outfielders (Part 2)
Tier One
1) Kenley Jansen
2) Aroldis Chapman
3) Craig Kimbrel
4) Andrew Miller
The cream of the crop. If you were able to get Jansen for the cheap on draft day, give yourself a pat on the back. He's first among closers with a 19.9 SwStr%. Aroldis Chapman may only have 18 saves so far, but him along with Kenley Jansen are the only two on this list posting a 15.0 K/9 rate. The high walk rate for Chapman (4.82 BB/9) combined with the uncertainty of Chapman's next team have allowed Jansen to reach the top status.
Craig Kimbrel has been better than the 3.24 ERA implies. His .356 BABIP combined with a decrease in hard hit contact leads me to believe he's just been unlucky so far. I anticipate a bounce back and highly recommend you reach out to Kimbrel owners during the break to see if they are feeling any buyers remorse.
There were rumblings regarding the Yankees closer situation when Miller returned from his injury, but it's been business as usual. Miller is 3rd among qualified RP with a 14.42 K/9 rate.
Tier Two
5) Greg Holland
6) David Robertson
7) Trevor Rosenthal
8) Drew Storen
9) Cody Allen
10) Zach Britton
11) Glen Perkins
12) Huston Street
13) Mark Melancon
Greg Holland finds himself in the second tier due to a drop in K potential (12.99 K/9 in 2014 to 10.46 K/9 in 2015) and an increase in walks (2.89 BB/9 in 2014 to 5.06 BB/9 in 2015). Combined with a slower fastball and it's fair to question whether he should be lower on this list.
Most people I speak to aren't high on Drew Storen but I have a hard time passing on closers on division leading clubs. In Storen's case he has a plethora of mediocre offenses to pitch against in the NL East and has seen an increase in punchouts (10.26 K/9) in 2015. He's also utilizing his slider more often to much success (4.4 wSL).
If you weren't buying Zach Britton's 2014 run it's likely you missed out again this year. Britton has been even better in the first half, increasing his strikeouts while limiting the walks. His FIP, xFIP, and SIERA all indicate the numbers he's attained to this point are legit. Buy, buy, buy.
If our respective saves leaders, Mark Melancon (29) and Glen Perkins (28), were striking more batters out I'd place them in Tier One. Melancon has redefined himself this year, practically discarding his fastball and focusing on the cutter. Perkins only needs nine more saves to break his personal record and his 1.21 ERA leads all closers. He's a big reason the Twins are still in the playoff race.
Tier Three
14) Jeurys Familia
15) Jonathan Papelbon
16) A.J. Ramos
17) Francisco Rodriguez
18) Koji Uehara
19) Brad Boxberger
The lack of closer experience for Jeurys Familia was the deciding factor in placing him in Tier Three. He's increased his strikeouts, lowered his walks, and lowered his hard hit contact. Mets fans must be glad they no longer have to inhale Tums watching Jenrry Mejia close games.
Like a good red wine, Francisco Rodriguez just gets better with age. His fastball has dropped below 90 MPH so he's increased the usage of his changeup this year. His changeup currently has a Pitchf/x of 13.2 wCH, best among all pitchers in baseball. The only downside with K-Rod is if he gets shipped to a team who has a strong incumbent closer.
Koji Uehara saw his ADP drop this preseason due to injury concerns but owners who took the risk are reaping the rewards. His splitfinger continues to be his best pitch; batters are only hitting .162 vs the splitter.
Tier Four
20) Shawn Tolleson
21) Tyler Clippard
22) Joakim Soria
23) John Axford
24) Jim Johnson
25) Ken Giles
26) Wade Davis
27) Dellin Betances
28) Carter Capps
Shawn Tolleson has been a fun surprise for save-needy owners, but I'm not sold for sustained success. His splits show hitters are starting to catch on to his offerings and the Rangers aren't going to see an abundance of save ops in the second half. Lefties have had success all year versus Tolleson too.
Joakim Soria is facing the similar problems as Tolleson. He started off great but hitters are catching on to his arsenal. Soria allowed five HR in June and has a 5.12 FIP. The idea of Neftali Feliz getting a chance isn't that far-fetched for a disappointing Tigers team.
Ken Giles finds himself among the Tier Four closers due to the likelihood he assumes the role in Philadelphia in the next few weeks. Considering Jonathan Papelbon told reporters during the ASB, "[Blank] or get off the pot," it's only a matter of time till Giles takes over. Get him now if he's still out there (talking to you, Jason Grilli owner).
We also find three RP (Davis, Betances, Capps) who aren't in a closer role but have been too dominant to let slide further. Wade Davis owns the 2nd best ERA (0.46), Betances has a 14.74 K/9 rate and immediately moves to Tier One if Andrew Miller gets hurt again, and Carter Capps leads baseball with a 25.8 SwStk%.
Tier Five
29) Santiago Casilla
30) Francisco Rodney
31) Carson Smith
32) Roberto Osuna
33) Brad Ziegler
34) Rafael Soriano
35) Jason Motte
36) Hector Rondon
Francisco Rodney has revealing photos of Lloyd McClendon. That's the only rationale I can uncover as to why he continues to get chances to be the Mariners closer. If Carson Smith claims the closer role full time, he would move into Tier Three. Tough situation for fantasy players. Hold Smith in deeper leagues and hope for the best.
Roberto Osuna has pitched quite well for Toronto but with the Jays active on the trade market for a closer his value takes a hit. If the deadline comes and passes with Toronto not making a move, Osuna moves up a tier.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: I want no business with any Joe Maddon closer situation. He historically has gone with a closer-by-committee approach and I expect more of the same in the second half. Don't be shocked if Rafael Soriano comes out of the gate closing but ends up splitting opportunities with Jason Motte and Hector Rondon.
Tier Six: Speculating Saves
37) Jake McGee
38) Tony Watson
39) Arodys Vizciano
40) J.J. Hoover
41) Will Smith
42) Will Harris
43) Kevin Seigrist
44) Darren O'Day
45) Sergio Romo
46) Neftali Feliz
47) Kelvin Herrera
48) Kevin Jepsen
49) Bryan Shaw
50) Pedro Strop
Of the players on this list I think highest of Arodys Vizcaino getting save opportunities. The Braves are likely heading to "sell" mode which makes Jim Johnson a candidate for relocation. Vizcaino was recently reinstated from an 80-game PED suspension and only has three innings under his belt for 2015, but he has a power fastball (97 MPH) and has shown a noticeable improvement in his curveball in his limited appearances. He's a good stash.
Next up would be J.J. Hoover. The Reds have expressed interest in moving Jay Bruce, Johnny Cueto, and most importantly Aroldis Chapman. Should Chapman find himself dealt to a contender, Hoover is the most likely candidate to assume closer duties. His strikeouts are down which is worrisome for a closer, but at this point you have to settle with who's getting the saves. If Brad Ziegler is ownable, Hoover will be too.
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