Here we will break down some relievers going late or even undrafted who are worth taking a flier on. The names on this list should all be available after pick 400 or so on draft day, and while they likely won’t be closing out games on Opening Day, I think each one is talented enough to do so. In leagues that value holds, these guys get a huge boost, but even in save-only leagues, there can be some value found here. These rankings and player notes are from the Top 50 Closers list with the purpose of this article just to identify some late-round reliever targets.
List
37. Josh Sborz (TEX) – The Sborz breakout was on full display in the first half of the 2023 season, before taking a turn for the worst in the second half as he battled injuries. He finished the year with a great 35.2% CSW and looked great in the postseason for the Rangers. With the team doing nothing to upgrade their bullpen this offseason, it’s fair to wonder if, maybe even when Sborz will take over the closer role from José Leclerc this season.
38. Julian Merryweather (CHC) – The long-awaited Merryweather breakout finally happened this season as the reliever was able to stay healthy for a career-high 72 innings. The walk rate became an issue later in the year, but his ability to miss bats (32.3% K and 16.6% SwStr rates) increases his upside in holds leagues. Barring a trade for Emmanuel Clase, the Cubs bullpen seems mostly set, with Adbert Alzolay closing out games to open the year and Merryweather as his top setup man.
45. Jeff Hoffman (PHI) – Hoffman was the unsung hero of the Phillies bullpen in 2023, as he started throwing his slider more often (up over 24%). The change in pitch usage led to a 2.54 pCRA, 17.7% SwStr, and 33.2% K rates. He returns to a bullpen that lost Craig Kimbrel this offseason and didn’t make any significant additions, so Hoffman should at least be in the mix to be the team’s top setup option.
46. A.J. Minter (ATL) – Minter regressed from his dominant 2022 campaign but still managed a mostly successful 2023 season finishing with a 31.5% K rate and 5.22 PLV. Even with all the additions (or moreso re-signings) to the Braves’ bullpen this offseason, Minter should remain in a set-up role and could still be the first in line for saves if Raisel Iglesias were to miss time.
49. JoJo Romero (STL) – Romero was breaking out in a big way prior to missing the remainder of the season with a knee injury as the lefty finished Top 10 amongst relievers in pCRA (2.74), xFIP (2.68), xwOBA (.258), Whiff (36.3%), and CSW (36.3%) rates. His three-pitch mix makes him effective against righties as well as lefties and he should be on your radar in all holds formats.