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To help you dominate all of your 2017 fantasy baseball leagues, below are some 2017 fantasy baseball closer/saves (RP) sleepers & waiver wire pickups to consider adding to your fantasy baseball teams.
We recommend MLB closers and relief pitchers for you to consider as 2017 draft sleepers, ADP values, or hot pickups off the waiver wire once the season starts.
For more sleepers, also see our fantasy baseball rankings hub. The handy Rankings Assistant Tool combines all staff ranks in one area - tiers, points leagues, prospects, dynasty ranks and more.
Prefer using your phone? Our Draft Sleepers & Waiver Wire Pickups app is free and available in the Apple and Android Stores. Just search for "waiver wire" in either App Store.
2017 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds by MLB Position
ALL - C - 1B - 2B - SS - 3B - OF - SP - RP
Brad Brach (RP, BAL) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 56% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brad Brach is back in the closer's role after Zach Britton was shut down for the last week of the 2017 season. Brach has 17 saves this season with Britton struggling with injuries all season and Brach has responded with a 2.57 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 66 2/3 innings. He has blown six saves this season, and lost on September 19 against the Red Sox, but he has a solid...continue reading
Arodys Vizcaino (RP, ATL) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 50% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Atlanta Braves closer Arodys Vizcaino earned a save in two scoreless appearances last week and should be owned in all saves leagues. Vizcaino did allow four earned runs in his two proceding appearances, prompting some to drop the Braves closer, but he still has a strong 2.68 ERA and 1.07 WHIP this season. He has a strikeout in eight of his last 10 appearances, earning five saves, and is 10-for-12 on saves this season. He took over...continue reading
Blake Treinen (RP, OAK) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 37% Yahoo ANALYSIS: Blake Treinen opened the season as the Nationals' closer, but early struggles led to him quickly losing that role. Washington's bullpen was a nightmare during the entire first half, so they made a deal with the Athletics to acquire their best two relievers, Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson. Treinen was part of the package going the other way, and he's looked much better since arriving in Oakland. The 29-year-old has been a workhorse out...continue reading
Shane Greene (RP, DET) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues OWNED IN: 48% Yahoo ANALYSIS: Shane Greene hasn't recorded a save since August 28 and has allowed runs in two of his last three appearances. Still, he's the unquestioned closer for the Tigers and has performed well since assuming the role. Greene has converted all six of his save opportunities, with solid ratios (2.45 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) and a 9.8 K/9. Detroit's status as an also-ran doesn't preclude Greene from being a viable fantasy closer for the remainder of the season, and he's free to add in...continue reading
Arodys Vizcaino (RP, ATL) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 52% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Atlanta Braves reliever Arodys Vizcaino took over the closer's role from Jim Johnson in August and regained most of his fantasy value in the process. The key thing in that statement is "most", as Vizcaino has allowed runs in each of his last two appearances (including two home runs against the Rockies) and Johnson does have 22 saves this season. Fantasy owners that own or are considering Vizcaino do need to also remember that...continue reading
Brad Ziegler (RP, MIA) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 51% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Miami Marlins pitcher Brad Ziegler has grabbed the closer's role in Miami and has earned the right to be a part of fantasy rosters. Ziegler blew a save on Friday night, but is still 9-for-12 on saves this season and was 9-for-9 on saves in August, not allowing a run in 13 innings. He was awful in the first half of the save, posting a 6.52 ERA in 29 innings and walking 13 while striking out 17,...continue reading
Arodys Vizcaino (RP, ATL) – Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 54% of Yahoo! Leagues ANALYSIS: Arodys Vizcaino has finally wrestled the primary closer role away from Jim Johnson and the results have been as expected. Prior to his last outing on August 26th, Vizcaino had not allowed a run in 10 consecutive appearances. He pitched 9.1 innings in that span and struck out nine batters while allowing just three hits and two walks. That made him a strong contributor in every category and makes him a player...continue reading
Brad Ziegler (RP, MIA) – Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 42% of Yahoo! Leagues ANALYSIS: Brad Ziegler certainly doesn’t carry a typical closer’s profile, as he has just 21 strikeouts in 40 innings pitched. He also has a cringe-worthy 4.73 ERA and 1.58 WHIP for the season. That makes it little surprise he is owned in only 42% of leagues despite converting nine saves in the month of August. However, it is imperative to look beyond his season-long ratios. Since he was activated from the DL on July 29 and put...continue reading
Matt Belisle (RP, MIN) – Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 18% of Yahoo! Leagues ANALYSIS: Matt Belisle certainly isn’t going to fall in line with Craig Kimbrel, Kensley Jensen, or other elite closers, but he has been solid since taking over the closer role after Brandon Kintzler was dealt at the trade deadline. Since the trade deadline, Belisle has gone 3-for-4 in converting save opportunities. He has pitched four innings in that time and has posted eight strikeouts, a surprising mark given that he had struck...continue reading
Shane Greene (RP, DET) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues OWNED IN: 55% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Detroit Tigers closer Shane Greene has not recorded a save this week, he has not had an attempt either, but should still be owned in all formats. Greene did allow two runs on three hits in a non-save opportunity against the Rangers on Wednesday, his first runs allowed since June 24, as he finished July without a run allowed in 10 2/3 innings. It is also a bit alarming that Greene has allowed at least two hits in each...continue reading
Blake Treinen (RP, OAK) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 27% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Oakland Athletics pitcher Blake Treinen looks like the new closer in Oakland and has not given up a run in eight of his last 10 appearances. Treinen came over to Oakland in the trade that sent Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle to Washington and is getting another chance to close, as he was the closer for Washington as well. He has converted only six of his 11 saves this season, but...continue reading
Alex Claudio (RP, TEX) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 31% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Tcxas Rangers pitcher Alex Claudio has seen an uptick in strikeouts and his good job as the closer for the Rangers makes him a fantasy target. Claudio only has 41 strikeouts in 62 innings this season, but has a strikeout in each of his last five outings and eight in 6 1/3 innings this month. What makes that number more impressive is that he has not walked a batter this month; in fact, he has only allowed...continue reading
Shane Greene (SP/RP, DET) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues OWNED IN: 57% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Detroit Tigers pitcher Shane Greene has three saves this month and his strikeout potential makes him a must-add in all formats. Greene got the first opportunity for saves with Justin Wilson traded to the Cubs and has capitalized, allowing four baserunners in 4 2/3 innings this month. He has not allowed a run since the beginning of July (15 1/3 innings) and has struck out 16 batters while walking nine. Although his walk rate is a bit...continue reading
Cam Bedrosian (RP, LAA) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues OWNED IN: 21% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Los Angeles Angels pitcher Cam Bedrosian has regained the Angels' closer job and is a great fantasy option. Bud Norris was the Angels close, but has three losses and two blown saves over his last seven appearances, losing the closer's job. This gave another chance to Bedrosian, who opened the season as the closer, but went on the disabled list with a groin injury and missed about two months. He then posted a 5.06 ERA in June...continue reading
Matt Belisle (RP, MIN) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 10% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Minnesota Twins pitcher Matt Belisle appears to be the closer in Minnesota after Brandon Kintzler was traded to the Nationals on Monday. His 17 holds are fifth in the American League and, while he has a 4.64 ERA this season, he finished July without allowing a run in 12 1/3 innings. He allowed just five hits and two walks last month, striking out 13 batters, and has been warming up in late inning scenarios...continue reading
Alex Claudio (RP, TEX) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 32% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers pitcher Alex Claudio has earned the closer's role in Texas and should be owned in nearly every fantasy league. Claudio has not allowed a run in nine of his last 10 appearances and has been perfect in seven of those appearances, earning a win and five saves. While he does not strike out many batters, five in his last 10 appearances, he has also only walked 13 batters in 57 2/3 innings this season. For...continue reading
Brad Hand (RP, SDP) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues OWNED IN: 59% Yahoo ANALYSIS: Somewhat surprisingly, Brad Hand was not among the hundreds [citation needed] of relievers dealt at yesterday's trade deadline. The Padres opted to hang on to their relief ace, and with Brandon Maurer now in Kansas City, Hand should be expected to receive the lion's share of their save opportunities moving forward. The southpaw has converted all four save chances he's received since moving into the ninth-inning role, and hasn't been scored upon in almost two months. On the season,...continue reading
Shane Greene (RP, DET) - Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Saves Leagues OWNED IN: 27% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Earlier today, Tigers closer Justin Wilson was officially traded to the Cubs in a package deal. Shane Greene will now take over as the new Detroit closer, and manager Brad Ausmus confirmed that earlier today. Greene has pitched well this season with a 2.74 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 50:25 K:BB ratio in 46 innings pitched. He hasn't allowed a run in his last 13 appearances, and has held opponents to a .188 batting average overall. If you are in a league that values...continue reading
Brad Ziegler (RP, MIA) - Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in Deeper Saves Leagues OWNED IN: 18% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: On Friday night, Marlins closer AJ Ramos was traded to the Mets in a surprising move. Brad Ziegler should now take over as the new Marlins closer, although it's possible that he may not end the season in that role. Ziegler hasn't had the prettiest season (6.52 ERA, 1.83 WHIP, 17:13 K:BB ratio), and was just activated from the DL, but he has experience closing games. Last year he racked up 22 saves for the Red Sox, and another 30 saves for...continue reading
Alex Claudio (RP, TEX) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 37% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Alex Claudio has inherited the closer job in Texas by default. The team had about five candidates ahead of him earlier this season, but they've all faltered. Claudio has held his own so far, picking up four saves and seven holds on the season. Here's the disclaimer on this pickup: add him for saves only. Claudio has maintained a decent 2.38 ERA supported by a 2.88 SIERA, but he is only striking out 5.6 batters per...continue reading
Brad Hand (RP, SD) - Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Saves Leagues OWNED IN: 29% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Earlier today, Padres closer Brandon Maurer was traded to the Kansas City Royals along with Trevor Cahill and Ryan Buchter. Brad Hand should now take over as the new Padres closer, although it's possible that he can soon be traded as well. Hand has had an excellent season so far as the setup man for San Diego, posting a 2.12 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with a 66:14 K:BB ratio in...continue reading
Ryan Madson (RP, WAS) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 56% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: It's doubtful whether Ryan Madson can be considered the solution to Washington's ninth-inning woes, but he will at least get the chance for the time being. Madson was acquired along with teammate Sean Doolittle from Oakland last week. So far, Doolittle has picked up two saves since the trade while Madson has two holds. It hasn't gone smoothly for Doolittle, however, as he's allowed two runs in his first two innings of...continue reading
Sean Doolittle (RP, WAS) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 35% of Yahoo! Leagues ANALYSIS: When Sean Doolittle was traded from the A’s to the Nationals along with teammate Ryan Madson immediately after the All-Star Break, it was assumed that Madson would assume the role as closer. However, Doolittle has closed each of the two save opportunities that have arisen since he and Madson have joined the team. While that is an encouraging sign, the results for Doolittle in those outings do raise concerns. Notably, he has allowed one...continue reading
Sam Dyson (RP, SF) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 49% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: San Francisco Giants reliever Sam Dyson has excelled as the closer in San Francisco and can be added in fantasy leagues. Dyson has converted all five of his saves since replacing the injured Mark Melancon and has allowed a run in only one of his last nine appearances. He has allowed 10 baserunners in nine innings this month, allowing just one run, and has a win and two saves in his last three appearances....continue reading
Sam Dyson (RP, SFG) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 49% Yahoo ANALYSIS: Dyson's abysmal start to the season is rapidly fading in the rearview mirror. Since the Giants picked him up off the scrap heap, the veteran has looked a lot more like the guy who thrived as the Rangers closer a year ago. Dyson has notched five saves since July 1 while filling in for the injured Mark Melancon, who's on the disabled list for the second time this year with elbow issues and reportedly isn't close to returning. While you...continue reading
Ryan Madson (RP, WSH) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues OWNED IN: 52% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Washington Nationals reliever Ryan Madson was acquired along with Sean Doolittle from the Athletics and should be in line for saves. The Nationals have struggled this season out of the pen and Madson, who has a 2.06 ERA and 14 holds this season, should be the closer for Washington. Madson has walked only six batters in 39 1/3 innings, leading to a 0.79 WHIP, and his 39 strikeouts and 2.06 ERA are both strong as...continue reading
Alex Claudio (RP, TEX) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 21% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers reliever Alex Claudio appears to be the new closer in Texas and is a fantasy asset for the time being. Matt Bush struggled as the closer for the Rangers, blowing five saves, giving Claudio, Jose Leclerc, and Keone Kela a chance at the closer's role. Claudio has been the most attractive option of the four (including Bush), pitching four consecutive clean outings, saving each of...continue reading
Joakim Soria (RP, KC) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 7% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Kansas City Royals reliever Joakim Soria has 11 holds this season and could be in line for saves if the Royals make trades this month. Soria has 204 career saves, including one save this season, but has blown five saves this season in Kansas City. He has 48 strikeouts and 13 walks in 37 innings this season for the Royals, posting a 3.41 ERA and 1.27 WHIP, and has only allowed a run in two of...continue reading
Brandon Maurer (RP, SD) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 64% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: San Diego Padres closer Brandon Maurer has not blown a save since May 14 and his 19 saves this season should make him a good waiver option. After two blown saves and two losses from May 11-May 17, Maurer's grasp on the Padres' closer job had loosened, but he has now converted 13 straight saves, allowing no earned runs in save opportunities. While that sounds good, Maurer has allowed eight earned runs in non-save opportunities (leading...continue reading
Sam Dyson (RP, SF) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 47% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: San Francisco Giants pitcher Sam Dyson has made the most of his opportunity in place of Mark Melancon as the closer for the Giants. Dyson was awful for the Rangers this season, posting a 10.80 ERA in 17 games with Texas, but has three saves for the Giants, allowing four earned runs in 10 1/3 innings. He also has a 1.06 WHIP with the Giants after posting a 2.58 WHIP with the Rangers and...continue reading
Bud Norris (RP, LAA) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues OWNED IN: 57% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Los Angeles Angels reliever Bud Norris will come off of the disabled list on Saturday and could be back in the fray as the closer for Los Angeles immediately. Cam Bedrosian came off of the disabled list on June 17, but has not earned a save since coming off of the disabled list, allowing three earned runs in 5 1/3 innings and blowing a save. Bedrosian had not allowed a run before hitting the disabled list,...continue reading
Felipe Rivero (RP, PIT) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues OWNED IN: 69% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Pittsburgh reliever Felipe Rivero has three wins and three saves for the Pirates this season and he is the reliever to own in Pittsburgh. On Saturday, Rivero had another five-out finish to a game, this time resulting in a win. Rivero was called into a tied game with one out in the eighth inning versus the St. Louis Cardinals and did not surrender a hit the rest of the way. Rivero is now 3-1 with an 0.68 ERA on the year. While...continue reading
Mike Montgomery (RP/SP, CHC) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 28% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Chicago Cubs starting pitcher/reliever Mike Montgomery has found a spot in the Cubs' rotation for the time being and is putting up some of the best statistics of his career. Montgomery has a 2.26 ERA over 21 games (three starts) this season and has allowed four runs in 15 innings while replacing the injured Kyle Hendricks. While Montgomery only pitched nine innings in his first two starts, he just pitched six scoreeless innings against...continue reading
Cam Bedrosian (RP, LAA) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 57% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Los Angeles Angels pitcher Cam Bedrosian missed nearly two months, but is now back with Los Angeles and should be in the closer's role. Bedrosian has yet to allow a baserunner in three appearances (three innings) since coming off of the disabled list and has only allowed six baserunners in 9 2/3 innings. He has also struck out 13 batters this season, registering at least one strikeout in seven of his nine appearances this season. Bedrosian was...continue reading
Santiago Casilla (RP, OAK) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 55% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Santiago Casilla moved to the other side of the bay, but his value hasn't gone anywhere. The 36-year-old has notched 11 saves for Oakland and remains in the mix for late inning work. His ratios are inflated from one meltdown against Texas, but he has been solid all season despite carrying a 4.07 ERA. As he's aged, his strikeout rate has only gotten stronger; the last three seasons, current one included, have been his three highest...continue reading
Pat Neshek (RP, PHI) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 10- and 12-Team Leagues OWNED IN: 21% Yahoo! ANALYSIS: Pat Neshek locked down his first save of the season — and eighth of his career — on June 6 against the Braves. He has spun two scoreless innings since, and now owns a 0.75 ERA on the year to go a long with a 0.79 WHIP, 22 strikeouts and just four walks in 24 frames. Prior to this season, the 36-year-old had posted five consecutive campaigns with an ERA below 4.00, including two years under...continue reading
Brad Peacock (RP/SP, HOU) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues OWNED IN: 58% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Brad Peacock continues to impress in his return to the rotation this season. What was supposed to be a temporary stay could turn into a permanent one if he keeps up his current ratios. Peacock is posting a 3.15 ERA, supported by a 3.38 SIERA. He's also inducing soft contact 25% of the time and striking out 33.6% of the batters he faces. Thanks to a superior slider that he throws one-third of the time, he is inducing a...continue reading
Felipe Rivero (RP, PIT) – Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 45% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: After blowing four straight save opportunities and allowing eight earned runs in the process, Tony Watson is finally out as the closer of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates announced on Friday that Felipe Rivero and Juan Nicasio will now share the closer role. Given that Rivero is a lefty and Nicasio is a righty, there is a natural implication that Nicasio will get the majority of save opportunities...continue reading
Brandon Maurer (RP, SD) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 56% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: When Brad Hand picked up saves in back-to-back opportunities, many thought it spelled the end of Brandon Maurer's reign as closer of the San Diego Padres. Then, Maurer went on to pick up four saves in a week's time without allowing a hit. Maurer's 5.48 ERA and 53.7% strand rate are very unappealing, especially for a closer, but he appears to be motivated now that some serious heat has been put on...continue reading
Hector Neris (RP, PHI) - Waiver Wire Pickups
Baller Move: Add in 12+ Team Leagues Owned In: 46% of Fleaflicker Leagues Analysis: Hector Neris currently holds a 2.96 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 10.0 K/9, and four total saves out of the Philadelphia bullpen. His last save was on May 14th and since that day, Neris has shined despite his lack of save opportunities. In those last 6.2 IP he has a 0.00 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 13.5 K/9. These trends are all remarkably similar to Neris's 2016 season with the Phillies in which he held figures of: 2.58...continue reading
Brad Hand (RP, SD) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues OWNED IN: 23% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: San Diego Padres relief pitcher Brad Hand picked up his second save in as many days on Thursday and may now by the closer for San Diego. Manager Andy Green is denying that claim, making it seem as if San Diego will rotate between Hand and incumbent Brandon Maurer, but Hand's 2.00 ERA and 1.04 WHIP this season should be enough to hold off Maurer. Since being acquired by the Padres last season, only Yankees reliever ...continue reading
James Pazos (RP, SEA) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in Very Deep Leagues OWNED IN: 15% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: With Edwin Diaz removed as the closer for the Mariners earlier in the week, Seattle will scramble to fill the closer's role. Tony Zych and Nick Vincent could be solid options for Seattle and they are the front-runners, but 26-year-old reliever James Pazos is also a dark horse. Zych got saddled with the loss on Friday and Pazos's 12.05 strikeouts per nine in 18...continue reading
Nate Karns (SP/RP, KC) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 39% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: While Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Nate Karns has yet to break double-digit wins in his career, his 10.71 strikeouts per nine this season (40 1/3 innings) just builds on his high strikeout profile. Karns struck out 9.64 batters per nine in 94 1/3 innings last season for Seattle and has struck out 9.4 / 9 IP in 305 2/3 career MLB innings. With strikeout numbers like that, Karns should be owned in fantasy leagues, but...continue reading
Tony Zych/Steve Cishek/Nick Vincent (RP, SEA) - Speculating the Mariners' Closer
Edwin Diaz looked like the best young closer in baseball down the stretch last season, mowing down opposing hitters to the tune of a 2.79 ERA and 5.87 K/BB. However, he has struggled to command his pitches in 2017, leading to a 5.28 ERA and just 2.00 K/BB. The Mariners finally made a change on Tuesday, pulling Diaz from the closer role. Tony Zych, Steve Cishek and Nick Vincent are expected to be the three main candidates
...continue readingCorey Knebel (RP, MIL) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues OWNED IN: 52% of Yahoo! leagues ANALYSIS: Any time a closer is newly minted, the fantasy community immediately takes notice. Corey Knebel is no exception, as he takes over Neftali Feliz's brief reign in Milwaukee. Knebel certainly has "closer stuff," with an eye-popping 41.1% K%, .156 BAA and no home runs allowed this season. He's also inducing a 12.5% swinging strike rate, which is well above last season's 7.7% SwStr%. He won't necessarily blow hitters away with a 96 MPH fastball,...continue reading
Santiago Casilla (RP, OAK) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add In All Leagues OWNED IN: 60% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Santiago Casilla has been up and down in his career, but is now the closer of the Athletics and an automatic addition to any fantasy roster. Casilla's current statistics are unappealing and the Athletics are not one of the top teams in baseball, but saves are a key part of most fantasy leagues and he is one of the 30 closers in baseball. His ERA is 5.02 in 14 1/3 innings and only has struck out 7.53 batters...continue reading
Derek Law / Hunter Strickland (RP, SF) - Speculating the Giants Closer
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 3% / 6% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Giants closer Mark Melancon has been placed on the disabled list, and either Derek Law or Hunter Strickland could be the next in line for saves.
Giants just placed Mark Melancon on the DL with a right pronator strain. They're playing a man short tonight.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) May 9, 2017 According to CSN Bay Area, Derek Law may...continue readingTrevor Rosenthal (RP, STL) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 32% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: After saving 93 games from 2014-2015, Trevor Rosenthal struggled to a 4.46 ERA and 14 saves in 2016, blowing four saves and seeing his WHIP balloon to an unslightly 1.91. After Seung-Hwan Oh had a strong 2016 season, with 103 strikeouts in 79 2/3 innings and a 1.92 ERA, Oh was seen as a top-five RP and Rosenthal as an afterthought. In the early going, though, Oh has struggled to a 3.95 ERA and 1.39 WHIP...continue reading
Joaquin Benoit (RP, PHI) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 27% of Yahoo! Leagues ANALYSIS: Phillies closers just seem to not want to hold on to the job for long, as Hector Neris was the latest to implode, giving up four runs in a third of an inning, including an insane three home runs in Saturday’s loss to the Dodgers. Neris still has the job as of this second, and he leads the team with three saves. Benoit still holds the veteran advantage, however, and he now also holds the edge in...continue reading
Bud Norris (RP, LAA) - Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues OWNED IN: 36% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Bud Norris was a journeyman as a starter, going 61-69 with a 4.47 ERA in 185 starts spanning five teams, but Cam Bedrosian's injury has made Norris the unlikely closer for the Los Angeles Angels. Norris has thrived in this role thus far, posting four saves and striking out five batters in four innings and has 15 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings this season. He has allowed two runs in two separate outings this season,...continue reading
