![](https://cdn.rotoballer.com/2021/02/Adbert-Alzolay-fantasy-baseball-prospects-starting-pitchers-MLB-dynasty-rookies-draft-sleepers-icon.jpeg)
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
![Junior Caminero - Fantasy Baseball Prospects, Waiver Wire Pickups, Draft Sleepers](https://cdn.rotoballer.com/2024/05/Junior-Caminero-Fantasy-Baseball-Prospects-Waiver-Wire-Pickups-Draft-Sleepers-icon-rotoballer-576x280.jpeg)
Junior Caminero - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 19)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in All Formats CALL-UP ETA: August ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay Rays' top prospect, Junior Caminero, finally returned from his six-week absence on July 9. Caminero suffered a Grade 2 quad strain on May 28 and missed a large portion of the season. However, the infielder hasn't missed a beat at the plate. MLB Pipeline's No.... Read More
![Connor Norby - Fantasy Baseball Prospects, Draft Sleepers, MLB Rookies](https://cdn.rotoballer.com/2024/04/Connor-Norby-Fantasy-Baseball-Prospects-Draft-Sleepers-MLB-Rookies-icon-rotoballer_edited-576x280.jpg)
Connor Norby - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 18)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues CALL-UP ETA: Called up Thursday, 7/25 ANALYSIS: Infielder Connor Norby is back up with the Baltimore Orioles, replacing Jorge Mateo who was just placed on the IL. This is Norby's second stint with Baltimore after he spent a little over a week with the club back in early June.... Read More
![River Ryan - Fantasy Baseball Prospects, Draft Sleepers, MLB Rookie Rankings](https://cdn.rotoballer.com/2024/07/River-Ryan-Fantasy-Baseball-Prospects-Draft-Sleepers-MLB-Rookie-Rankings-icon-rotoballer_edited-576x280.jpg)
River Ryan - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 18)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues CALL-UP ETA: Called up one week ago ANALYSIS: Dodgers rookie starting pitcher River Ryan pitched well enough in his Major League debut to earn at least one more turn in the rotation. The 25-year-old right-hander was effective in five and one-third innings against the Giants, holding them scoreless while... Read More
![Prospect - RotoBaller, MLB, Stock Graphic, Fantasy Baseball](https://cdn.rotoballer.com/2024/04/Prospects-RotoBaller-Stock-MLB-Graphic-Fantasy-Baseball-576x280.jpg)
Jackson Jobe - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 18)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in dynasty leagues with redraft upside CALL-UP ETA: August/September ANALYSIS: The Tigers took a risk in drafting high school right-hander Jackson Jobe with the third-overall pick of the 2021 MLB Draft, but it appears their intuition might pay off sooner than later. While the 21-year-old has dealt with injuries in his young professional... Read More
![Prospect - RotoBaller, MLB, Stock Graphic, Fantasy Baseball](https://cdn.rotoballer.com/2024/04/Prospects-RotoBaller-Stock-MLB-Graphic-Fantasy-Baseball-576x280.jpg)
Tyler Locklear - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 18)
BALLER MOVE: Worth a flier in deep leagues when promoted CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: The Mariners finally made the move and cut bait with first baseman Ty France this week and were originally expected to promote Tyler Locklear to take over as their everyday first baseman for the foreseeable future. However, the club interestingly recalled corner... 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!![](http://cdn.rotoballer.com/2022/03/RotoBaller-fantasy-sports-app-news-alerts-mobile-iphone-android-large.jpeg)
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!