X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Top 10 For Saves: 2014 Fantasy Baseball Predictions

RotoBaller's 2014 fantasy baseball closer rankings & MLB predictions for saves, to help you be ready for your Fantasy Baseball drafts. We have your fantasy analysis & advice.

I have a very strong opinion about closers in fantasy baseball, and that is they are the most overrated position in the game. Much like defenses in football, closers are very often drafted many rounds too soon. Relievers contribute little to most pitching stats, and there are often plenty of valuable options lower down the rankings. With that in mind, there is still great talent and depth when looking for saves. There are two obvious guys that go into the “elite” category, while the rest of the top 10 fills out nicely.

 

MLB: NLDS-Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves1. Craig Kimbrel

2014 Projections: 47 SV, 111 K, 1.66 ERA, 0.88 WHIP

Simply put, Kimbrel is the one closer who is worthy of his hype.  He is an elite closer, and while I am one that hates to pay for saves, Kimbrel is worth taking in the 5th(ish) round if you have the chance. I don’t think anybody objects, right?

 

2. Aroldis Chapman

2014 Projections: 44 SV, 125 K, 2.28 ERA, 0.94 WHIP

I’m going to make a statement, and you have every right to disagree: “Aroldis Chapman is overrated.” He is pretty much unanimously ranked as the #2 closer in fantasy, but why is that? Yes, he gets strikeouts and has the devastating fastball, but that’s about it. He had 2.54 ERA last year and averaged more than a base runner per inning pitched. For reference, seven closers in the top 15 had a better WHIP than Chapman. I understand that I'm in the minority here and I wouldn't blame anybody for drafting him, but I don’t see the value in drafting him as early as he is ranked.

 

3. Kenley Jansen

2014 Projections: 43 SV, 118 K, 2.41 ERA. 0.94 WHIP

Probably the rightful #2, the only thing that separates Jansen form Kimbrel is the array of sharks waiting to take his spot. The Dodgers and their blank-checkbook ways have acquired Brandon League, Brian Wilson and now Chris Perez in the bullpen; still, fantasy owners shouldn't worry about that, considering just how solid Jansen is. After officially taking the job from League last June, Jansen racked up 28 saves, and he will only grow from there. Additionally, he stayed completely healthy in 2013 after a heart issue cut his 2012 short.

 

4. Greg Holland

2014 Projections: 42 SV, 105 K, 1.99 ERA, 1.01 ERA

Most of Holland’s 2014 production will rely on Kansas City’s starters and offense providing save chances for the top-tier closer. Also a problem is that Holland has had trouble getting out of the gate, with a 7.04 April ERA in April that actually saw him lose the ninth-inning job for a bit in 2013 (which makes his 42 saves even more remarkable). Holland might be overvalued at #4, considering who he plays for, but if the young Royals team can find their footing this year, Holland will produce saves.

 

5. Jim Johnson

2014 Projections: 42 SV, 50 K, 2.92 ERA, 1.11 WHIP

After leading the league in saves the past two seasons in Baltimore, Johnson is arguably in a better place now with Oakland. An extreme groundball pitcher, he doesn’t rely on strikeouts to get him out of jams, and with a bigger home park in 2014, the Coliseum will hold in more long balls than Camden Yards did, thus leading to an improvement in Johnson's unimpressive 2.97 ERA in 2013.

 

6. Joe Nathan

2014 Projections: 42 SV, 67 K, 2.76 ERA, 1.02 ERA

Joe Nathan is sitting pretty as the closer on arguably one the best team in the majors. He’s not so bad himself, with a 2013 season during which he racked up 43 SV and a 0.90 WHIP against a less-than-stellar AL Central. While he is not likely to repeat those stellar numbers, the 39-year-old is making the most of the back end of his career, and he has ample opportunity to pick up saves in the Motor City.

 

7. Glen Perkins

2014 Projections: 39 SV, 74 K, 2.57 ERA, 1.05 WHIP

Simply put, Perkins is in a bad situation, as he is a great closer on a bad team.  Minnesota will not contend this year, and will likely be battling with Chicago for 4th place in the AL Central. That said, the save chances will come, and Perkins will get them just as he did in 2013. Nobody is threatening his job, and even if he goes through a rough patch, will still get the necessary reps in the ninth inning.

 

8. Addison Reed

2014 Projections: 39 SV, 70K, 2.91 ERA, 1.10 WHIP

Reed has been part of a solid offseason for Arizona, who are slowly emerging as an NL West contender. He had a great 40-save season with the White Sox in 2013, and we should see his 3.79/1.11 ERA/WHIP improve in the NL. I like Reed for his stuff, but his problem could come from the D-Backs bullpen depth. With experienced closers Brad Ziegler and J.J. Putz both waiting, a small hiccup could force Kirk Gibson's hand as he faces an uphill battle against the Dodgers in the NL West.

 

9. Trevor Rosenthal

2014 Projections: 37 SV, 86 K, 2.51 ERA, 1.03 WHIP

The defending NL Champs are in a nice spot, and so is Rosenthal.  After Edward Mujica signed with Boston and with Jason Motte still recovering from Tommy John surgery, Rosenthal now has no serious contenders to take away his job. After dominating the 8th inning, Rosenthal showed he was just as dominant in the 9th towards the end of last season; he led St. Louis with four saves and 11.2 scoreless innings in the playoffs. His one downfall is inexperience-- this will be his first year as a starting closer, and he's still just 24 years old. Motte is projected to be back around the middle of the year, but Rosenthal still has the ability and the supporting cast put up elite closer numbers.

 

10. Sergio Romo

2014 Projections: 37 SV, 70, 2.57 ERA, 0.98 WHIP

Like a lot of closers on this list, Romo’s save total will be skewed based on how the Giants play in 2014. After taking the 9th inning from Brian Wilson, Romo showed he is capable of being a quality 9th-inning option in his own right. With the Dodgers and Diamondbacks looking to be the favorites of the division heading into Opening Day, Romo can produce some saves, and if San Francisco can go on a run, he might well overproduce and represent a nice mid-round steal.

 

Notables not on the list: Koji Uehara (33 SV) Jonathan Papelbon (34 SV) David Robertson (31)

 

That's it for now. Follow @RotoBaller and me @JustBerglund for all your fantasy baseball news and insights.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Travis Etienne Jr.

Needs to Bounce Back in 2025
Wan'Dale Robinson

Wants More Downfield Opportunities this Season
Quinshon Judkins

Arrested on Saturday for Battery and Domestic Violence
Terry McLaurin

Could be a Holdout at Training Camp
Roger McCreary

a Candidate for a Contract Extension?
Max Fried

Exits Start With Blister
Mike Evans

Buccaneers Could Have Difficult Time Retaining Mike Evans
Charles Cross

Could Sign Extension Before Training Camp
Xavier Restrepo

One to Watch Going into Training Camp
Calvin Ridley

Appears Re-Energized
Mark Andrews

Still a Key Piece in Ravens Offense
Ndamukong Suh

Officially Announces his Retirement
Jaylen Waddle

Motivated After Disappointing Season
Tre Harris

Still Unsigned
Hunter Dobbins

to Miss Rest of Season With Torn ACL
Nolan Arenado

Held Out of Lineup on Saturday
Alexandre Sarr

Plays Well in Summer League Loss to Phoenix
Yang Hansen

Looks Good on Friday Night
Carlos Correa

Sitting on Saturday
Austin Riley

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Nolan Arenado

Exits Friday's Contest With Sprained Finger
Jake Burger

Expects to Play on Saturday
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Wyatt Langford

Records Four-Hit Night
Cal Raleigh

Homers Twice, Drives in Five
Cody Bellinger

Swats Three Homers in Victory
Jake Burger

Leaves With Quad Discomfort on Friday
Carlos Correa

Exits Game With Mild Ankle Sprain
Edward Cabrera

Dealing with Posterior Elbow Discomfort
Austin Riley

Leaves Game Early on Friday With Abdominal Tightness
Kon Knueppel

Struggles in Summer League Win
Rafael Devers

Dealing With Back Inflammation
Walter Clayton Jr.

Plays Well on Friday Night
Cody Williams

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Leads the Way on Friday Night
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Returning on Friday
Sauce Gardner

Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Rhamondre Stevenson

Heading into an Important Season
Minnesota Vikings

Josh Metellus, Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Extension
Tua Tagovailoa

2025 Could be Tua Tagovailoa's Last Season in Miami
Rashawn Slater

has "Full Confidence" a Deal Will Get Done
Byron Buxton

Returns on Friday
Isaiah Jackson

Signs Three-Year Extension
Jake Meyers

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Calf Strain
Brandon Lowe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
Kodai Senga

Reinstated to Start on Friday
Alex Bregman

Officially Activated and Starting on Friday
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
Herbert Jones

Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
Chicago Bears

Bears Extend General Manager Ryan Poles
Dalton Knecht

Avoids Serious Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

in a "Much Better Spot" Heading Into Training Camp
Javon Small

Signs Two-Way Deal
Dustin Hopkins

Browns Still Counting on Dustin Hopkins
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF