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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 26, the final week 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 26 Waiver Wire Pickups for Holds
Archie Bradley, Arizona Diamondbacks
1 Save, 25 Holds, 1.38 ERA, 71.2 IP, 76 K, 0.99 WHIP
The Arizona Diamondbacks have reached the Wild Card game and Archie Bradley has had a breakout campaign in relief. This year, opponents are hitting .197 against Bradley. Utilizing a 96.4 mph fastball and 82.7 mph curveball, Bradley generates a ground ball on 48.4 percent of batted balls. Finding himself regularly pitching in the eighth inning lately, Bradley has been a dominant setup reliever that has a future as a closer. For now, Bradley is an exceptional waiver wire claim for holds leagues as the season comes to an end.
Chad Green, New York Yankees
8 Holds, 1.87 ERA, 67.1 IP, 102 K, 0.74 WHIP
The New York Yankees have created one of the best bullpens in the league and Chad Green has been a tremendous part of it. Among former closers, Chad Green has emerged as one of the best relievers in the Yankees bullpen. With opponents hitting .187 against Green, the 26-year-old reliever is also striking out batters at a 13.6 strikeout per nine inning rate. Relying on his 95.8 mph fastball and 85.8 mph slider, Green has already exceeded 100 strikeouts out of the bullpen. Green has frequently pitched in the seventh inning so he has moved up the pecking order and will secure some holds to wrap up the 2017 campaign.
Anthony Swarzak, Milwaukee Brewers
2 Saves, 26 Holds, 2.17 ERA, 74.2 IP, 89 K, 0.98 WHIP
The Milwaukee Brewers are fighting to make the postseason to the last day and reliever Anthony Swarzak could play a tremendous role in their fate. Since joining the Brewers, Swarzak has locked up 15 of his 26 holds. With over a strikeout per inning and 43.3 percent of batted balls on the ground, Swarzak has been thrust into the thick of victories for the Brewers and it is justified. Opponents are hitting .211 against Swarzak's 94.7 mph fastball and 87.1 mph slider. The Brewers will need all of their best arms available in securing a crucial hold. Swarzak is a worthy waiver wire claim that can play the difference between a win or loss in a holds league.
Jose Ramirez, Atlanta Braves
27 Holds, 3.19 ERA, 62.0 IP, 56 K, 1.19 WHIP
The Atlanta Braves will look to finish strong in the year and Jose Ramirez has put together a successful campaign. With a 97.2 mph fastball, 89.2 mph slider and 88.0 mph changeup, Ramirez is holding opponents to a .204 batting average. Regularly pitching in the seventh or eighth inning, Ramirez has secured holds for the rebuilding Braves. He does not strike out a batter per inning but this year has been a breakout year for the 27-year-old reliever. The Braves will give him some work in winning situations to wrap up this year so put a waiver wire claim on him if there is a need for a reliable player for holds.
Carson Smith, Boston Red Sox
1 Save, 0.00 ERA, 6.2 IP, 7 K, 0.90 WHIP
Carson Smith managed to make his presence felt in the 2017 season for the likely division-winning Boston Red Sox and could do so to wrap up this year. Smith, who once secured 13 saves and 22 holds while a part of the Seattle Mariners, made his first appearance in the 2017 season this month. In just seven games, opponents are hitting .182 against Smith's 91.9 mph sinker and 84.5 mph slider. While Smith will not be eligible for the postseason roster, expect him to get some work to wrap up the year. The Red Sox still need to secure the division so expect them to aggressively finish the season.
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