After going through our Top 100 Starting Pitchers and all position player rankings, we finally get to the Relievers. Today I will be ranking the 30 current MLB closers and tomorrow we will go through the Top 70 holds options for all of you in holds leagues. Finally on Wednesday, we put it all together with the top 100 combined relief pitcher rankings for leagues that use holds as well as saves.
In the spirit of our saves segment “Closing Time”, each tier will properly be named after a different 90's one hit wonder song.
TIER 1: Nothing Compares 2 U
1. Kenley Jansen (Los Angeles Dodgers)—Grant Dayton, Pedro Baez
Lets just start off with the bad first, as there are 2 slightly concerning numbers on Jansen's resume. His low BABIP and dead last GB % (among the 30 current closers) could mean he is due for a bit of regression. For anyone else, I would completely agree (see Roberto Osuna) but he has put up back to back dominant seasons now, despite his below average GB% and BABIP numbers. His high SwStr% along with the fact he doesn't allow free passes (K-BB% 1st among all closers thru '15-16) make me believe he will be dominant again this year. He and his cutter are as close to a Mariano Rivera clone as we've seen. He is the only RP I would consider in the 5th round as I feel there is more value down the board at the position this season.
Fantastic article as usual guys. According to this article, it looks like Colorado already named Greg Holland as closer.
http://calltothepen.com/2017/02/25/colorado-rockies-tab-greg-holland-to-lead-talented-bullpen/
That’s the only place that has him “named” as the closer right now. I would be a little bit shocked to see him start the season as closer, given that he is still working his way back slowly from TJ. Ottavino definitely deserves an opportunity to run with the job too, but Bud Black does want Holland to be the guy if he can regain his 2014 form. It’s a situation to monitor closely over the next month.
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/02/24/bud-black-rockies-bullpen-closer/
So you’re telling me I need to take Diaz in the 5th round of the staff league.. Sounds like a plan! Great article, Rick
Thanks Ian! If I am picking before you in round 6, I’d say you might want to think about it…
Agree with these guys, good research.
Disagree with how low Britton is
I honestly feel guilty putting him 4th, I just think the 3 in front of him have a tick better upside. I don’t think there is a huge difference between him and Jansen though and cant fault anyone for having Britton at the top of their board. Like I said, he is probably the safest option out there this year.