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While holds are even tougher to predict than saves, the players we’ll highlight today include some elite setup men to target off the waiver wire for Week 25 of the fantasy baseball season.
The more likely an MLB team is to win, the more likely these pitchers will be eligible to earn the holds that could be the difference between winning or losing in your fantasy league.
Let's get to it.
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Week 25 Waiver Wire Pickups for Holds
Brandon Morrow, Los Angeles Dodgers
1 Save, 9 Holds, 2.25 ERA, 40.0 IP, 45 K, 0.90 WHIP
The Los Angeles Dodgers have struggled to find stable parts of the bullpen. Brandon Morrow has progressed into a higher leverage role of late and he is very deserving of it. This year, opponents are hitting .190 against Brandon Morrow. With a 97.7 mph fastball, 92.2 mph cutter and 88.8 mph slider; Morrow is striking out just over a batter per inning. He is getting well over the league average swings but opponents are making far below league average contact on these swings. The Dodgers are guaranteed to make the postseason so the effective relievers will get a strong role come October so look to Morrow for late-inning roles to wrap up the season with many holds.
Cam Bedrosian, Los Angeles Angels
6 Saves, 9 Holds, 3.51 ERA, 41.0 IP, 48 K, 1.22 WHIP
The Los Angeles Angels are fighting to get into the postseason picture but an uncertain bullpen needs Cam Bedrosian to straighten things out. Opponents are hitting .216 against Bedrosian this year. Armed with a 93.9 mph fastball and an 84.5 mph slider, Bedrosian is striking out over a batter per inning. Bedrosian gets above league average swings out of the zone with below league average contact. With Blake Parker and Yusmeiro Petit receiving most of the closing opportunities, Bedrosian will set these relievers up with solid outings that make him a valuable waiver wire candidate for holds leagues.
Kirby Yates, San Diego Padres
1 Save, 18 Holds, 3.83 ERA, 54.0 IP, 84 K, 1.13 WHIP
The San Diego Padres struggle to put a resolution to the season but reliever Kirby Yates is finishing with a flourish. With a 94.1 mph fastball, 86.0 mph slider and 87.1 mph changeup, opponents are hitting .211 against Kirby Yates as he pitches for his second team for this season. Since joining the Padres early in the season, Yates was thrust right into late inning roles, with many seventh or eighth inning appearances occurring in the last two months. With a tremendous strikeout rate, Yates could be a sneaky waiver wire claim in holds leagues as he puts up exceptional statistics across the board for a below average team.
Mike Minor, Kansas City Royals
1 Save, 17 Holds, 2.71 ERA, 73.0 IP, 83 K, 1.04 WHIP
The Royals' bullpen is scrambling to figure out some stability and Mike Minor is a stable force. The starter turned reliever has cut down his pitch selection to his 94.4 mph fastball and 88.5 mph slider. With the reduced repertoire, Minor is averaging over a strikeout per inning. This month, Minor has only entered the game with the lead and has emerged with either a win, save or hold. The Royals may turn to Minor for saves but his fantasy value is likely going to be as a waiver wire claim in holds leagues.
Keone Kela, Texas Rangers
1 Save, 10 Holds, 2.78 ERA, 35.2 IP, 48 K, 0.95 WHIP
A season riddled with injuries and setbacks, Keone Kela is looking to finish the season on a high note for the Texas Rangers. Kela initially had opportunities at saves early but it appears that he will finish this year as a setup reliever. With a 96.4 mph fastball and 82.9 mph slider, Kela is striking out more than a batter per inning. Opponents are hitting .138 against him. Had injuries not set him back, Kela has the numbers to justify his value as a potential closer. His strikeout numbers serve him well as a good waiver wire candidate in holds leagues.
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