Here we will break down some closers going in the early to middle rounds worth drafting. The names on this list should mostly be available in the 75-125 pick range on draft day, and in my opinion, represent the best value this fantasy season. I like the idea of taking at least one or even two from this group this year (league context-dependent), although if you don’t have IL spots I may be slightly more tentative about going with two. These rankings and player notes are from the Top 50 Closers list with the purpose of this article just to identify some closer targets in the early/middle portions of your draft.
List
9. Evan Phillips (LAD) – Phillips finished the season with 24 saves and great ratios (2.05 ERA, 0.83 WHIP) and turned out to be a fantastic second closer option for most fantasy managers. The advanced metrics agree with Phillips’ success (1.51 dERA) and he also had the seventh-best PLV (5.34) in baseball. Add in the fact the Dodgers haven’t added a closer this offseason (yet) and Phillips could be a draft-day bargain again.
PLV Projection: 3.09 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 26.6% K
16. Craig Kimbrel (BAL) – Despite his issues in October, Kimbrel still had a productive 2023 season and seems like a perfect fit for the Orioles. He’ll be going from one of the worst pitch framers in baseball to one of the best and also from one of the more hitter-friendly ballparks to one of the most pitcher-friendly parks. The fastball/curve combo has not lost a step as his K rate was back up to 34% last year, so as long as the Orioles don’t overuse him this season, he should be in for another great season.
PLV Projection: 3.33 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 31.5% K