Jordan Romano leads all relievers with eleven saves this season, putting him on pace for 74 saves this year (which obviously won’t happen). While those of you rostering Romano should appreciate the hot start, I think now is the time to consider selling high perhaps. Not because I think he will collapse or that I’m concerned with his middling xStats, but more so because I am always looking to sell high at any position, but especially relievers. The league has seen one closer with 40+ saves since the start of the 2019 season (Kirby Yates in 2019 with 41) so if I can swap Romano for someone like Craig Kimbrel and add a quality position player or SP as well, I do that in a heartbeat.
Notes
- Camilo Doval’s grip on the closer role continues to strengthen, and while he came away without a save this past week, Jake McGee’s usage (and struggles) continue to point towards Doval being the full-time closer in San Francisco. A strong week here from Doval would push him up a tier (or maybe two).
- On the flip side, it feels like Anthony Bender got all of the saves last week, as Bender pulled off four saves in five days last week and all of a sudden is likely to hang on to the role even once Dylan Floro returns (which should be this week). Similar to Doval, if Bender puts together another strong week and shows he is the closer, he should move up a tier. The K rate remains low, but the fastball velo is up and his slider is getting Whiffs at a decent rate (37.5%) although that should be better.
- Jhoan Duran earned his first MLB save yesterday as he worked a perfect ninth while Emilio Pagán worked the 8th. Obviously, it’s a small sample size, but Duran is someone you want to chase in all formats right now, and if he does wind up taking over permanently here, he likely jumps into the top 12.
- It may only matter for this week, but it looks like Rafael Montero will be the Astros closer until Ryan Pressly returns. While he’s gotten off to a nice start, I have my doubts about him in the long term and would much rather Héctor Neris in SV+HLD formats.
| Rank | Pitcher | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh HaderT1 | - |
| 2 | Liam HendriksT2 | - |
| 3 | Raisel Iglesias | - |
| 4 | Edwin Diaz | - |
| 5 | Craig Kimbrel | - |
| 6 | Jordan Romano | - |
| 7 | Emmanuel ClaseT3 | - |
| 8 | Taylor Rogers | - |
| 9 | Kenley Jansen | - |
| 10 | Giovanny Gallegos | - |
| 11 | Aroldis Chapman | - |
| 12 | Corey Knebel | - |
| 13 | David RobertsonT4 | +2 |
| 14 | Gregory Soto | -1 |
| 15 | Tanner Rainey | -1 |
| 16 | Jorge López | - |
| 17 | Daniel Bard | +1 |
| 18 | Mark Melancon | +1 |
| 19 | Camilo DovalT5 | +2 |
| 20 | Anthony Bender | +7 |
| 21 | Lucas Sims | -1 |
| 22 | Jhoan Duran | +UR |
| 23 | David Bednar | -1 |
| 24 | Scott Barlow | -1 |
| 25 | Paul Sewald | -1 |
| 26 | Andrew Kittredge | -1 |
| 27 | Joe Barlow | -1 |
| 28 | Dany Jiménez | +1 |
| 29 | Rafael Montero | +UR |
| 30 | Hansel Robles | +UR |
| Rank | Pitcher | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Josh Staumont | KC | Likely in a near 50/50 split with Barlow whatever that equals in KC |
| 2. | Ryan Helsley | STL | May never be “the” closer, but worth the add in most leagues |
| 3. | Héctor Neris | HOU | Pressly could be back next week, but Neris is the best reliever here for now |
| 4. | Emilio Pagán | MIN | Duran picked up the last save, but is the switch permanent? |
| 5. | Lou Trivino | OAK | Could be back this week but recently got destroyed in rehab game |
| 6. | Hansel Robles | BOS | Not sure who the favorite for saves is here, but Robles is my second option |
| 7. | Diego Castillo/Andrés Muñoz | SEA | Full-blown committee here now that Sewald is back healthy? |
| 8. | Jake McGee | SF | Not completely counting him out yet despite Doval getting most chances |
| 9. | Dylan Floro | MIA | Likely back this week, but Bender has tightened his grip on the role |
| 10. | Michael Fulmer | DET | Soto has been (mostly) fine but Fulmer has been better so far… |
Photo by Joshua Bessex/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)
Jordan Romano needs to move into the top tier with Hader
Need an upgrade at 3rd-currently running with J. Turner. Looking at going after K. Bryant. The team that has him needs a closer.
I currently have Kimbrel, Roger, Romano and Jansen.
Which closer are you willing to part with for Bryant?
Thanks