👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

ADP Values for Fantasy Baseball: Relief Pitchers

What's up RotoBallers. Welcome back to another article in our series of early ADP value analysis for fantasy baseball.

Today, we'll cover some undervalued and overvalued relief pitchers, to try and help identify draft targets and avoids based on ADP.

Opening Day is still over a month away, but it's never too soon for draft prep. ADP data from early NFBC rankings can give us a glimpse into what other owners are thinking heading into a new campaign.

Featured Promo: Save 50% the regular price with discount code SPRING, for a limited time. Exclusive access to our Team Sync platform, DFS cheat sheets, Lineup Optimizers, betting/prop picks, and exclusive content from Nick Mariano and Eric Cross! GAIN ACCESS NOW

 

Undervalued Relief Pitchers

Jim Johnson, Atlanta Braves (ADP: 219)

Last year, Jim Johnson showed that he may have turned back to a better time in his 11-year career. Recording 20 saves on a 3.06 ERA while striking out just over a batter per inning; Johnson appears to have found success as closer of the Atlanta Braves. Is he a top-10 closer? No, but his recent success paired with the inexperienced relievers he shares the bullpen with provide stability for the 33-year-old veteran as a higher viable selection in fantasy.

Shawn Kelley, Washington Nationals (ADP: 211)

The contending Nationals have an experienced reliever as their closer in Shawn Kelley. An explanation for his appeal at a low 200's ADP stems from Kelley reducing his hits and walks while increasing his strikeouts. Setup relievers Blake Treinen and Koda Glover are talented but likely won't compete with Kelley for the closer job. Veteran former closer Joe Nathan was signed but at 42 years old, he likely will not contend for the closer spot, if he manages to make the major league roster.

Brandon Kintzler, Minnesota Twins (ADP: 285)

The Minnesota Twins are slowly developing pieces for the future. A secure spot on the roster appears to be closer Brandon Kintzler. While he pitched to a 3.15 ERA with just 17 saves, his job appears to be secure. Former closer Glen Perkins is recovering from a significant injury so his likelihood to be ready for the start of the season is slim. Until Perkins proves he's healthy and capable of progressing to high leverage situations, Kintzler is the go-to closer for the Twins. Currently, Kintzler is being drafted after setup relievers. While he does not strike out as many batters as fantasy owners will desire, (5.8 K/9) he will have a stable position as the Twins closer.

Neftali Feliz, Milwaukee Brewers (ADP: 286)

The former closer has had an up-and-down career since 2014 so he will look for consistency in 2017 as the best candidate to close down wins for the Milwaukee Brewers. Entering the season under a rebuilding phase, the Brewers may trade Feliz if his value warrants a desire by other teams over the course of the season. Feliz is a reliable pick for a 3rd closer as long as he stays on the Brewers.

 

Overvalued Relief Pitchers

Wade Davis, Chicago Cubs (ADP: 89)

Statistically, the World Series champion Chicago Cubs have added an elite closer, in Wade Davis, as they look to repeat in 2017. Recent arm-related injuries could keep him from being a top-tier fantasy option. If he can live up to his recent numbers, including a 1.87 ERA with 27 saves and just over a strikeout per inning, Davis will be an outstanding closer for the Cubs and in fantasy. If his injuries present themselves again, Hector Rondon will slide back into the closer's role and owners of Davis will have to search for a replacement. Proceed with caution and backup options if Davis is a top-10 closer in your personal rankings.

Aroldis Chapman, New York Yankees (ADP: 54), Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers (ADP: 52), Zach Britton, Baltimore Orioles (ADP: 64)

If you're thinking about drafting these guys early, check out Nick Mariano's primer on why you should avoid paying for saves. The three elite closers of the league are standing out in the game and in fantasy. All with ADPs in the first 6 rounds, these three closers are being selected minimum 12 picks ahead of the next best closer available, Mark Melancon. Are Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Zach Britton in a class of their own? Yes, but strictly for their MLB teams. The easiest explanation is the fear of missing out. As fantasy owners are drafting and notice Chapman comes off the board, Jansen is highly sought for and is taken soon after because owners fear they will not have a great closer. These three relievers will put numbers up that stand out among their peers but for fantasy, valuable players who will contribute in more ways will be missed out as fantasy teams are put together without maximizing the value at each pick. Draft these three later, fill other higher contributing positions then find a successful closer that will add enough value to your fantasy team.

 

More Undervalued & Overvalued Picks


Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Devin Booker

Suns Not Interested in Trading Devin Booker
Terrence Shannon Jr.

Starting in Game 6
Jonathan Isaac

Unlikely to Return Friday
Kevin Huerter

Could Miss Another Game Friday
Aaron Gordon

Remains Sidelined Thursday
Kyle Anderson

Misses Game 6 Due to Illness
Ayo Dosunmu

Won't Play Thursday Night
Joel Embiid

Good to Go for Game 6
Tobias Harris

Lands on Injury Report Due to Ankle Sprain
Franz Wagner

Won't Play Friday
Brandon Ingram

Iffy for Friday's Action
Kevin Durant

Listed as Doubtful for Game 6
Bones Hyland

Cleared for Game 6
Josh Hart

Ready to Rock Thursday
Brandon Woodruff

to Get Some Time Off
Nikita Chibrikov

Recovering From Core-Muscle Surgery
WPG

Elias Salomonsson Out 5-6 Months After Shoulder Surgery
Radko Gudas

Remains Out Thursday
Tyler Myers

Scratched on Thursday
Michael Bunting

Arttu Hyry Unavailable Thursday, Michael Bunting Makes Postseason Debut
Bobby Brink

to Sit Out Thursday's Game 6
Jonas Brodin

Will Miss Game 6 Against Stars
Myles Murphy

Bengals Don't Pick Up Myles Murphy's Fifth-Year Option
Jack Campbell

Lions Decline Jack Campbell's Fifth-Year Option
Lukas Van Ness

Packers Pick Up Fifth-Year Option for Lukas Van Ness
Calais Campbell

Returning to Ravens on One-Year Deal
Michael Harris II

Could be Forced to the Injured List
Makai Lemon

Signs Four-Year Rookie Deal With Eagles
George Kittle

Trying to Return in Week 1
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

to Lead the Jaguars in Carries?
Diego Pavia

Ravens Sign Former Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia
Emmett Johnson

Chiefs "Super High" on Emmett Johnson
Ty Simpson

Met With Sean McVay Before the Draft
Jonah Coleman

has Clear "Three-Down Potential" in Denver's Offense
Austin Ekeler

100 Percent Medically Cleared for Football Activities
Darius Slayton

Undergoes Core-Muscle Surgery, Expected to be Ready for Camp
Keaton Mitchell

Dynasty Value Rising Heading into 2026
Jadarian Price

Not Expected to Lead Seahawks' Backfield Right Away
Isaiah Bond

Dynasty Value Fading Following NFL Draft
James Cook

Can James Cook Continue to Ascend in 2026 and Beyond?
Lamar Jackson

Remains an Elite Dynasty Quarterback Despite Injury-Marred 2025
Kyle Williams

' Dynasty Value Limited by Uncertain Role in New England
Luis Robert Jr.

Officially Placed on Injured List
Isaac TeSlaa

Still a Dynasty Depth Piece Worth Holding
Pat Bryant

Still a Quality Buy-Low Despite Crowded Broncos Receiver Room
Clayton Keller

Sets Up Two Goals Wednesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Nets Special Hat Trick in Game 5 Win
Dan Vladar

Backstops Flyers to Series-Clinching Win
Leon Draisaitl

Oilers to Use Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on Same Line Thursday
Brady Tkachuk

Remains Committed to Senators
Arttu Hyry

Could Be Available Thursday
James Harden

Contributes in All Areas Wednesday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Plays Key Role in Game 5 Win
RJ Barrett

Records First Double-Double of the Season
Austin Reaves

Contributes 22 Points Off the Bench in Game 5 Loss
LeBron James

Regains Scoring Touch Wednesday
Paolo Banchero

Scores 45 Points in Game 5 Loss
Cade Cunningham

Helps Pistons Survive With 45-Point Effort
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Wednesday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
MLB

Phillies-Giants Postponed on Wednesday Due to Rain
Nils Lundkvist

to Remain Out Thursday
Jonas Brodin

Uncertain for Game 6
Matvei Michkov

Expected to Rejoin Flyers Lineup Wednesday
Noah Ostlund

Set to Miss "a Period of Time"
Viktor Arvidsson

Doubtful for Game 6 Against Sabres
Barrett Hayton

Close to Returning
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

a Game-Time Call Wednesday
MLB

Orioles-Astros Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather on Wednesday
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
George Springer

Being Activated From Injured List, Won't Start on Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to be Activated on Saturday
Garrett Crochet

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Junior Caminero

Back in Wednesday's Lineup After Injury Scare
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Connor McDavid

Extends Multi-Point Streak Tuesday
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
Junior Caminero

Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
Pete Fairbanks

Going on Injured List With Nerve Irritation
Spencer Strider

to Make Season Debut This Weekend
Luis Robert Jr.

Out on Tuesday With Back Tightness
Juan Soto

Dealing With Forearm Tightness, Serving as DH on Tuesday
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
Manny Machado

Departs Early With Undisclosed Injury on Monday
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Fire Manager Rob Thomson
Elmer Rodríguez

Yankees to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Elmer Rodriguez
Pete Fairbanks

Pulled on Monday With "Unusual Sensation" in his Thumb
Giancarlo Stanton

Heading to Injured List With Calf Strain
Travis Bazzana

Guardians Calling Up Former First Overall Pick Travis Bazzana
Carson Hocevar

Scores his First Career NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Misses out on Winning at Talladega by Finishing Second
Alex Bowman

Earns First Top-Five Finish at Talladega Since Returning From Injury
Chase Elliott

Scores A Fourth-Place Finish at Talladega
Zane Smith

Nabs First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at Talladega
CFB

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Youssef Zalal

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Aljamain Sterling

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Norma Dumont

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Scores Upset Win
Alexander Hernandez

Gets Dominated
Alexander Hernandez

Rafa Garcia Dominates Alexander Hernandez
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Gets Back In The Win Column
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Talladega?
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Playable in Talladega DFS Lineups?
Tyler Reddick

Stay Away From Tyler Reddick at Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Shake Off The Bad Luck at Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Could Contend For Another Talladega Win
Kyle Busch

an Easy DFS Pick at Talladega
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. a High-Risk, High-Reward Pick at Talladega
Todd Gilliland

a Sleeper to Watch at Talladega
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Talladega Lineups?
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Talladega Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Managers Trust Christopher Bell at Talladega?
Ty Gibbs

Is A DFS Risk for Talladega Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF