Each week, we’ll look at a handful of players who fantasy managers should consider picking up in deeper fantasy baseball leagues. Many of these players will have the most value in larger leagues where waiver wire options aren’t as plentiful. Still, they could also occasionally be useful additions in other, more standard-sized leagues, depending on your options at each position.
All roster percentages mentioned in this column are via FantasyPros as of Friday afternoon.
Jared Koenig – 6%
Jared Koenig has quietly been one of the league’s more effective relievers since joining the Milwaukee Brewers.
In 127 innings with the National League Central club since the start of last season, the right-hander has pitched to a 2.69 ERA and a 3.33 FIP. And while six of his 126 appearances during that span were as a starting pitcher, those six outings were all as an opener for the Brewers.
Koenig has also accumulated 15 pitcher wins during that span, the second most among all relievers since the start of the 2024 season. Only San Diego’s Adrian Morejon has more with 16.
And while just six of those pitcher wins have come this year, Koenig has still been a quality fantasy option, particularly in leagues where saves and holds are both part of the scoring. Or in leagues that just have holds as part of the scoring system.
The 31-year-old has logged a 2.91 ERA and a 3.39 FIP in 65 innings in 71 innings this season, turning in six pitcher wins, a pair of saves, and a career-high 26 holds in the process. He’s also sporting a 0.8 fWAR to go along with a 25.3% strikeout rate and a 7.5% walk rate.
Both of his saves have come this month, and with Trevor Megill still on the injured list, Koenig is worth a look for fantasy managers in deeper leagues with 14 or more teams for a potential ancillary save or a few holds in the season’s final days. Not to mention solid ERA and WHIP production.
Aaron Ashby – 1%
Sticking with the Brewers and the Brewers’ bullpen specifically, Aaron Ashby is another Milwaukee reliever who could be worth a look for fantasy managers in the season’s final few games.
Ashby was mentioned in this column last month as a reliever to add who could chip in with strikeouts, strong ERA and WHIP production, and the potential for holds and ancillary save opportunities.
The left-hander has continued to thrive in a relief role for the Brewers this season, pitching to a 2.23 ERA and a 2.71 FIP in 42 appearances and 64.2 innings of work for the National League Central club.
Along the way, Ashby has struck out 28.1% of the batters he’s faced while sporting an 8.7% walk rate. He’s also accumulated three saves, five holds, and five pitcher wins.
Turning the calendar back to the start of September, September 3 to be exact, Ashby has two pitcher wins, two holds, and a save in 13.1 innings for the Brewers, all the while pitching to a 2.03 ERA and a 1.87 FIP.
Particularly for fantasy managers in Roto leagues looking to help cut down their ERA and WHIP in the season’s final days, Ashby is a potential impact addition.
Connor Phillips – 1%
Connor Phillips isn’t in the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen, but the Cincinnati Reds reliever has been a solid bullpen option for the Brewers’ division rivals since making his first relief appearance for the club on June 20.
Phillips has turned in a 2.82 ERA and a 4.08 FIP in 22.1 innings of work, logging four pitcher wins and a hold along the way. He’s been particularly elite at missing bats, with a 35.7% whiff rate and a 31.0% strikeout rate during his time in the Majors so far this season.
The right-hander has been particularly impactful as of late in terms of fantasy counting stats, with three of his four pitcher wins coming in the last three weeks.
Since September 9, Phillips has three pitcher wins in five appearances and 6.1 innings of work, tied for the most pitcher wins in the league with seven other hurlers.
The only other full-time relievers with three pitcher wins during that span are Lake Bachar and Braydon Fisher. The rest are starters who are probably on fantasy rosters in a significant number of leagues in Max Fried, Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and Tanner Bibee.
