Joaquin Benoit (RP, PHI) - Closers and Saves Waiver Adds

RotoBaller analyzes Joaquin Benoit for fantasy baseball saves, as the new MLB closer for the Philadelphia Phillies after Jeanmar Gomez is unseated.

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Saves Leagues

OWNED IN: 15% of Yahoo Leagues

ANALYSIS: Surprise surprise, the thin ice that Jeanmar Gomez was tip-toeing around on cracked rather quickly. Replaced as the closer, Gomez's fantasy value has plummeted. He is no longer worth owning in any fantasy baseball league, even deep NL-only leagues.  Drop him immediately, if not sooner!

Stepping into the void is Joaquin Benoit, who is a spry 39-years-young. Don't let the age fool you though. Over the past decade-and-a-half, Benoit has put up steadily solid numbers, with a ~28% average K-rate since 2010. Benoit will rack up the K's while putting a few too many men on base and allowing a few too many cringe-inducing homers in Philadelphia's bandbox. Still, Benoit has the stuff to become a top 20 MLB closer in 5x5 fantasy leagues, so he should be added across the board.

If you're bidding with FAAB, be bold, but don't go too crazy. Benoit could rack up 35 saves with 70 strikeouts if he finished the season as the Phillies closer. Considering he's on a one-year deal though, that's unlikely. In fact, it's likely that the Phillies' motivation to give Benoit the shot over Neris stemmed from the increase in Benoit's trade value that they will see. Realistically then, you're looking at 20 saves and 50 Ks with good ratios.

Hector Neris owners have no doubt lost out temporarily. We recommend you sitting tight with Neris in deeper leagues. He has the talent and nastiness to be a top 10 fantasy closer if he gets a shot, which he undoubtedly will once the Phillies unload Benoit later this summer.

Bottom line, if you are in a league that values saves, Benoit is a must-add waiver wire pickup for saves. He is only 15% owned in Yahoo leagues right now, so run to the waiver wire now now now!