The dominant closer has become an increasingly rare species in MLB over the past few seasons and the first half of this season has seen them nearly go extinct. Of the top 14 relievers in WAR (a total of at least 0.5), only four lead their team in saves, two have more than four saves and the average number of saves among the group is 2.07. An influx of new school managers eager to embrace sabermetrics has led to 2020 being the exclamation point on a movement started by the Indians use of Andrew Miller in 2016, during which teams have realized that inserting their best reliever in the highest leverage situation, rather than exclusively the ninth inning, is more likely to result in a win.
What this trend boils down to is managers and front offices discovering that playing the match ups is a better strategy than simply designating a set-up man and closer to pitch the last two frames of a close win. This has led to the strategy of deploying the best reliever in the Andrew Miller or 2018 Josh Hader archetype and closer by committee approaches becoming more prevalent. All this information is great, but you may be wondering what exactly this has to do with fantasy baseball.
In fantasy baseball we want to roster the relievers that score the most points who, theoretically, should also be the best relievers in baseball. The issue this season has been the increased use of relievers in the roles highlighted above, which has diluted the relief pitching leaderboard that is typically headlined by dominant closers. In standard points leagues, saves are worth five points while holds do not receive any. When the best relievers are closers they get that five-point bonus almost every time they pitch and are the consensus top relievers in fantasy. This seasons’ top relievers being used in non-save situations means that, while they accrue more counting stats, they miss out on the save and their value is depressed (this is why I recommend awarding a few points for a hold).
This development has the relief pitcher leaderboard mixed as its currently a combination of the top closers and the best relievers who aren’t earning saves regularly. The non-closers are being overlooked because they aren’t household names, but their value is actually greater than closers with similar point totals due to something that GMs often overlook – opportunity. You can almost think of them as a handcuff running back in fantasy football; if they just got the opportunity they’d be one of the best at their position. The reason I say almost is pitchers in this situation already have standalone value, but a move to the ninth inning would put them over the top. Relievers with similar point totals who are already their teams closer can only raise their value by pitching better. Non-closers can score more points by pitching better or earning closing duties.
Below you will find the best relievers in fantasy baseball, who aren’t their teams main closer, highlighted. Curiously enough, these players are near the top of the relief pitcher leaderboard yet aren’t receiving nearly enough attention from GMs due to the simple fact that they aren’t earning saves. One slip up from the regular closer and these guys will be in the conversation for the best reliever in fantasy baseball.
James Karinchak Cle | 36.5%, RP 4
Karinchak has been the best reliever in baseball this season and it isn’t close. His .8 WAR is tops at the position and the peripherals include a miniscule 0.61 ERA, 0.57 FIP, 0.68 WHIP and an absurd 17.18 Ks/9. Despite the eye popping numbers and being the fourth best reliever, the rookie is rostered in just over one third of ESPN leagues! What’s more, Cleveland closer Brad Hand has a 5.29 ERA dating back to the second half of last season meaning Karinchak should be extremely close to the coveted ninth-inning role. Adding the righty now is a smart move that comes with enormous upside.
Jonathan Hernandez Tex | 17.8%, RP 4
Tied with Karinchak at fourth among relievers, Hernandez also has a stellar line that includes a 1.84 ERA, 1.72 FIP and 0.75 WHIP. Although 25% of his point total has come from three wins, it’s clear he has manager Chris Woodward’s trust as he has been brought into games in high leverage situations all season. Incumbent closer Rafael Montero has been solid outside of a Manny Machado grand slam, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Hernandez earned save opportunities down the road.
Matt Foster CHW | 12.3%, RP 7
Foster has actually made two starts this season as an opener and has been the plug and play bullpen piece for the White Sox this season. He has yet to surrender a run in 12.1 innings pitched which is supported by a 1.13 FIP and 2.41 xFIP along with a 0.49 WHIP and 41.5 K%. Closer Alex Colome has been solid all season but the rookie Foster has shown the tools to become an elite back-end guy.
Chad Green NYY | 36.8%, RP 9
Green has been New York’s do everything guy the past few seasons, whether it be a late inning jam, spot start or quality middle innings, and his value hasn’t been more apparent than this season. Operating primarily as the set-up man, the veteran features a 0.71 ERA, 0.47 WHIP, 1.42 FIP, and 38.6 K%. A viable path to closing seems bumpy as Green is the third option at best, but a consistent role and manager Aaron Boone’s trust is enough to make the righty roster worthy in all but the shallowest leagues.
Jordan Romano Tor | 17.8%, RP 10
Romano has excelled in his role as set-up man following the early injury to closer Ken Giles and even earned his first save in his most recent outing. Anthony Bass has been solid while operating as the closer during Giles’ absence with a 2.13 ERA, 3.47 FIP and .79 WHIP although Romano’s line has been better at 0.69, 2.16, 0.77 with more than twice as many Ks/9. Manager Charlie Montoyo’s decision to go with the Romano for the most recent save situation indicates he may have passed Bass for closing duties and is in a committee at worst which is beneficial for the young right hander’s prospects the remainder of the season
Nick Anderson TB and Drew Pomeranz SD | 93.6% and 52.8%, RPs 7 and 11
Both pitchers are rostered in the majority of leagues with Anderson eighth at the position, but both are members of committees and recently landed on the injured list which means they should be available at discounts. Anderson was an absolute steal for Tampa Bay at the 2019 trade deadline and is second among all relief pitchers in WAR thanks to a 0.00 ERA, 0.26 FIP, 0.54 WHIP and 42.4 K – BB%. He leads the team in saves with three, yet is one of seven (!) pitchers on the team to record a save. His value will not be any lower than it is currently. Pomeranz surprised early and even picked up two of his four saves before 2019 standout Kirby Yates was lost for the season. The former starter has pitched to a 0.00, 1.49, 0.44 line with a 38.7 K% and probably should’ve gone on the IL sooner. In that time Emilio Pagan and Cal Quantrill have recorded saves, most likely due to Pomeranz’ injury, but he should remain at the head of the committee when he’s first eligible to return.
