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James McArthur is a fantasy baseball waiver wire pickup for closers and saves. Target McArthur as a free agent relief pitcher for saves on the waiver wire.
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 23% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: William Smith was the presumptive closer for Kansas City to begin the season, but after an ineffective start that included six earned runs on four hits, a 4:2 BB:K, and a blown save, the veteran was removed from a save situation on Friday in favor of James McArthur. On Saturday, it was Chris Stratton who was given the save chance, but on Sunday it was McArthur who was called upon again with Smith pitching the eighth inning.
McArthur debuted in 2023, pitching to a 4.63 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, a 23:2 K:BB in 23 1/3 IP, and recorded four saves. The 27-year-old was shaky in his first three appearances of 2024, allowing at least one run in each of them, but in his two successful save chances he's allowed one hit, one walk, and struck out two in an inning-and-two-thirds pitched.
We all know about the Cole Ragans Revival post-trade to KC, but there was another one too.
"General" (h/t @gjewett9) James McArthur in 2nd half with KC:
23/1 K/BB, 71% first-pitch strike, 2.36 xERA. Save spec. #BF24 pic.twitter.com/1s0De38vQP
— Ryan Bloomfield (@RyanBHQ) November 8, 2023
With two saves under his belt already, save-hungry managers should pick up McArthur, just know that with Stratton could remain in the mix -- and potentially Smith again -- so there may not be many save opportunities to go around in Kansas City. The righty is available in over 75% of Yahoo leagues for managers interested in his services.
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