RADIO
Jeremy Jeffries 2019 Outlook: On Outside Looking In At Closer Role
6 years agoMilwaukee Brewers reliever Jeremy Jeffress started the year as a setup guy but finished the season as the primary closer. Jeffress had one of the most successful seasons of his career in 2018, and it led to the closer job in the second half when Corey Knebel fell apart. He enjoyed an 8-1 record with 15 saves and 18 holds. Jeffries also struck out 89 batters in 73 innings and had a phenomenal 1.29 ERA that was only bested by Blake Treinen (0.78). His success came in part to a 29.8% strikeout, 56% groundball rate, and a 13.5% swinging strike rates. Though he earned an All-Star nomination in 2018, at 31 years old, Jeffries is getting a little aged to sustain his quality performance. With the return of Knebel to the ninth-inning role, Jeffress will start the 2019 season back in a setup role. Rotoballer ranks him as the 37th reliever; with an ADP of 318, Jeffress is only valuable in holds leagues and as a handcuff to Knebel.
