TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
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

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
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.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball draft tools and resources:

 

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

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Mark Scheifele

Leads Jets to Victory Thursday
Tage Thompson

Records Season-High Five Points Thursday
Jack Eichel

Notches Four Points Thursday
Ilya Sorokin

Shuts Out Oilers With 35 Saves
Andrew Peeke

Not Expected to Be Out Long-Term
William Nylander

Aggravates Lower-Body Injury Thursday
Ross Colton

Uncertain for Friday
Josh Lowe

Angels Acquire Josh Lowe in Three-Team Trade
Kyle Tucker

Signs Four-Year Contract With Dodgers
Kyle Kuzma

Available Versus Spurs
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Active on Thursday
Cooper Flagg

Sidelined Thursday
Ricky Pearsall

Questionable to Play on Saturday Night
Sam Darnold

Questionable With Oblique Injury, Expected to Play
Tobias Harris

Active on Thursday
Isaiah Stewart

Jalen Duran and Isaiah Stewart Set to Return Against Suns
Anthony Edwards

Out Again on Friday Night
Damon Severson

Back for Blue Jackets Thursday
Adin Hill

Available Thursday Night
Darius Garland

Won't Play on Friday Evening
Brandon Montour

Activated From Injured Reserve
Joel Eriksson Ek

Misses Third Straight Game Thursday
Jonas Brodin

Placed on Injured Reserve, Out Week-to-Week
Domantas Sabonis

Might Return on Friday Night
Miro Heiskanen

Misses Second Straight Game
STL

Robert Thomas to Miss at Least Two Weeks
Jerami Grant

Likely to Play Against the Hawks on Thursday
Tom Wilson

Remains Out Thursday
Deni Avdija

Ruled Out Thursday
Jakob Chychrun

Available Thursday
Clayton Kershaw

to Pitch for Team USA in World Baseball Classic
P.J. Washington

Questionable Against the Jazz
Max Christie

Unlikely to Return to Action on Thursday
Mitchell Robinson

Will Sit Out Thursday
Landry Shamet

Could Return Thursday
Jalen Brunson

Out on Thursday Against Golden State
Daniel Gafford

Questionable Thursday Against the Jazz
Patrick Mahomes

Says Rehab Going "Great," Goal is 2026 Week 1 Return
Cooper Flagg

Is Unlikely To Play Thursday Against Utah
Lauri Markkanen

Will Not Be Available Thursday Against Dallas
Davion Mitchell

Ruled Out Thursday
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Will Not Play Against the Celtics
Nico Collins

a "Long Shot" to Play in Divisional Round
CFB

Auburn, Ohio State the Lead Suitors for Kyle Parker
CFB

Oregon QB Transfer Bryson Beaver Linked to Georgia, Kentucky
CFB

Jake Merklinger Commits to UConn
New York Giants

John Harbaugh Finalizing Deal With Giants
Mackenzie Blackwood

Activated From Injured Reserve
Ben Griffin

Looks To Stay Hot In 2026
Tom Wilson

Cleared for Contact, Could Return Thursday
Neal Pionk

Lands on Injured Reserve, Out Week-to-Week
Jamie Drysdale

Activated From Injured Reserve
Corey Perry

Unavailable Wednesday
Teuvo Teravainen

to Miss at Least One Game
New York Giants

Giants Making "Massive Push" to Hire John Harbaugh on Wednesday
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Agrees to Five-Year Deal With Red Sox
CFB

Dante Moore Not Entering 2026 NFL Draft, Will Return to Oregon
NFL

Mike Tomlin Doesn't Plan to Coach in 2026
Travis Hunter

Expected to Play More Defense in 2026
CFB

FBS Coaches Unanimously Vote to Expand Redshirt Eligibility to Nine Games
CFB

Ohio State Transfer Mylan Graham Signs with Notre Dame
CFB

Caden Durham Withdraws from Transfer Portal, Will Stay at LSU
Jordan Spieth

Perhaps the Most Intriguing Player at Sony Open
Aaron Rai

Looking For Putting Confidence at Waialae Country Club
Collin Morikawa

Isn't The Safe Play He Used to Be Ahead of Sony Open
Kurt Kitayama

Needs His Putting to Turn Around For Success at Year's First Event
Ryan Weathers

Yankees Add Rotation Depth, Acquire Ryan Weathers in Four-Player Deal
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Fire Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman
Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Tomlin Stepping Down as Steelers Head Coach
CFB

Georgia Tech the Favorite to Land Justice Haynes?
Nolan Arenado

Cardinals Trade Nolan Arenado to Diamondbacks
Tom Kim

Desperately Needs a Solid Week at Sony Open
Billy Horschel

Hoping For a Fast Start to New Season at Sony Open
Corey Conners

Looks to Have a Return to Form in 2026
PGA

Chris Gotterup a Decent Play at Sony Open
Gary Woodland

Could Prosper at the Sony Open
Keith Mitchell

Unlikely to Contend at Sony Open
Robert MacIntyre

Looking for a Good Performance at the Sony Open
Michael Kim

Hopes to Start Sony Open Better This Week
Tom Hoge

Tries to Erase Poor 2025 Second Half in Hawaii
Brian Harman

Seeks Fresh Start in Hawaii
Eric Cole

Looks to Last Year for Success at Sony Open
Daniel Berger

Starts Off 2026 at Sony Open
Nico Collins

Suffers Concussion Against Steelers
Nico Collins

Carted to Locker Room for Concussion Evaluation
Kyle Tucker

Mets Meet With Kyle Tucker
Dalton Kincaid

"Should be Fine" for Divisional Round
Brooks Koepka

Officially Returning To PGA Tour
Tucker Kraft

Hopes to be Ready for Week 1 of Next Season
CFB

Georgia Lands Kentucky Transfer Dante Dowdell
Matthew Stafford

has "Little Sprain," Should be "Good to Go"
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Sign with LSU
Green Bay Packers

Packers Expected to Work Out New Deal With Matt LaFleur in the "Coming Days"
CFB

Dylan Raiola Commits to Oregon
CFB

Isaiah Horton Landing with Texas A&M
George Kittle

Suffers Torn Achilles on Sunday
Omarion Hampton

Active for Wild-Card Round Against Patriots
George Kittle

Ruled Out After Non-Contact Achilles Injury
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Request Interview With Ejiro Evero
Los Angeles Rams

Mike LaFleur to Interview With Raiders and Cardinals
MacKenzie Gore

Yankees Pursuing Trade for MacKenzie Gore
Alex Bregman

Cubs Sign Alex Bregman to Five-Year, $175 Millon Contract
Freddie Freeman

Withdraws from World Baseball Classic

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP