Here we will break down some relievers going in the middle to late rounds worth drafting. The names on this list should all be available after pick 150 or so on draft day, and while they are not guaranteed to be closing out games on Opening Day, I think each one is likely the most talented reliever in their respective teams’ bullpen. In leagues that value holds, guys like Alvarado, Stephenson, and Abreu get a boost, but even in save-only leagues, they can be a great value. These rankings and player notes are from the Top 50 Closers list with the purpose of this article just to identify some mid to late-round reliever targets.
List
18. Robert Stephenson (LAA) – Stephenson’s career was turned around once he got to Tampa last year, with the Rays just making a simple tweak to his slider (throw it harder/make it a cutter). He finished the year first amongst relievers in Whiff (46.3%), SwStr (25%), and CSW (41%) rates, and was top three in speX (88.6), K-BB% (30.3%), and SIERA (2.40). Like with Alvarado ahead of him, if Stephenson were named the closer tomorrow he would move up at least one tier.
27. Hunter Harvey (WAS) – Harvey finished the 2023 season with a 3.04 SIERA and was even better in the second half where he had a 2.72 pCRA. Perhaps the most impressive number for Harvey last year was 60.2 IP, as he finally was able to stay (mostly) healthy for a season. If he doesn’t begin the season as the closer, he should take over the role at some point next year as the team’s top returning reliever.
28. John Brebbia (CWS) – Brebbia posted a solid 3.99 ERA and 1.17 WHIP last year to go with a 29.2% K rate and 5.24 PLV good for the 24th best in baseball. Now with the White Sox, there’s a very good chance Brebbia sees some save chances in a depleted bullpen, especially with Gregory Santos in Seattle now.
47. Bryan Abreu (HOU) – Abreu was one of the most dominant non-closer relievers this past season with a 1.75 ERA and a 39.8% Whiff rate while his Stuff+ graded out at 139, good for fourth highest amongst qualified relievers. He also reached double-digit holds for the first time with an impressive 24. The addition of Josh Hader shouldn’t hinder his value in holds leagues as that Astros bullpen has also lost Hector Neris, Phil Maton, Kendall Graveman, and Ryne Stanek. Abreu can still help in 3 categories despite the lack of save chances.