The Hold Up 8/6: Ranking The Top 25 Relievers For Holds

Things have remained calm for the most part across bullpens in the MLB since the trade deadline. BUt while things are calm for time being, stay tuned in the coming...

Things have remained calm for the most part across bullpens in the MLB since the trade deadline. BUt while things are calm for time being, stay tuned in the coming weeks as newly put pieced together bullpens from the could shake out differently than expected potentially leading to some potential volatility.

TIER 1: Cream of the CropThis group is the cream of the crop. Ample opportunity for holds, high K-rates and low ERA’s make these guys a must own in any Holds league.

1. Dellin Betances (Yankees)

2. Wade Davis (Royals)

3. Tony Watson (Pirates)

. Joe Smith (Angels)

5. Pat Neshek (Astros) +1

6. Drew Storen (Nationals) +1

7. Sergio Romo (Giants) +1

TIER 2: Solid PerformersAll excellent relievers, but whether it be their role or consistency, they aren’t quite on that elite level.

8. Kevin Siegrist (Cardinals) +1

9. Joaquin Benoit (Padres ) +1

10. Kelvin Herrera (Royals) +1

11. Jim Johnson (Dodgers) +1

12. Joakim Soria (Pirates) +1

13. Carter Capps (Marlins) -8

15. Jared Hughes (Pirates) +1

14. Kevin Jepsen (Twins) -1

16. Junichi Tazawa (Red Sox)

17. Tyler Clippard (Mets)

18. Justin Wilson (Yankees)

19. Jake McGee (Rays)

21. Zach Duke (White Sox) -1

There is some potential for holds from this group, however don’t bet the farm on them being among the league leaders.

22. Arquímedes Caminero (Pirates)

23. Pedro Strop (Cubs)

24. Will Smith (Brewers)

25. Darren O’Day (Orioles)

Falling Down

– The one notable mover on the list is Carter Capps who went on the DL last week with an elbow injury. Luckily he seems to have dodged a bullet and is scheduled to start throwing again in the next couple days. Stay tuned.
– As mentioned last week, the Mets closer situation is a bit fluid at the moment, as Jeurys Familia is still working out the kinks from his recent rough stretch. Tyler Clippard did notched a save the other night, but for now I think he still remains the setup man unless Familia really implodes.

Nick Pollack

Founder of Pitcher List. Creator of CSW, The List, and SP Roundup. Worked with MSG, FanGraphs, CBS Sports, and Washington Post. Former college pitcher, travel coach, pitching coach, and Brandeis alum. Wants every pitcher to be dope.

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