The Hold Up 8/27: Ranking The Top 25 Relievers For Holds

Things have stayed pretty steady for the last week around the MLB, with the exception of Carson Smith losing his role as closer in Seattle. The bigger news comes on...

Things have stayed pretty steady for the last week around the MLB, with the exception of Carson Smith losing his role as closer in Seattle. The bigger news comes on the injury front, forcing two former top holds candidates off the list.

Let’s see where we stand.

TIER 1: Cream of the CropThis group is the cream of the crop. Ample opportunity for holds, high K-rates and low ERA’s make these guys a must own in any Holds league.

1. Dellin Betances (Yankees)

2. Tony Watson (Pirates)

3. Wade Davis (Royals)

. Joe Smith (Angels)

5. Sergio Romo (Giants) +1

6. Pat Neshek (Astros) -1

7. Kevin Siegrist (Cardinals)

TIER 2: Solid PerformersAll excellent relievers, but whether it be their role or consistency, they aren’t quite on that elite level.

8. Joaquin Benoit (Padres ) +1

9. Kelvin Herrera (Royals) +1

10. Drew Storen (Nationals) -2

11. Jim Johnson (Dodgers)

12. Joakim Soria (Pirates)

13.Aaron Sanchez (Blue Jays)

14. Justin Wilson (Yankees)

15. Pedro Strop (Cubs)

16. Jared Hughes (Pirates)

17. Tyler Clippard (Mets)

18. Will Smith (Brewers)

There is some potential for holds from this group, however don’t bet the farm on them being among the league leaders.

20.

21. Keone Kela (Rangers) UNRANKED

22. Zach Duke (White Sox)

23. Arquímedes Caminero (Pirates)

24. Darren O’Day (Orioles)

25. Steve Geltz (Rays)

Moving On Up

Carson Smith has lost what seems to be a cursed closers gig in Seattle. Though he hasn’t pitched great of late, rolling the dice on Smith for the remainder of the season could prove to be a wise decision.
– Rookie Keone Kela has become a favorite out of the pen for the Rangers, locking down hold after hold recently as well as striking out over a batter per inning.

Falling Down

– No news is bad news right now for Carter Capps. I have given up hope that we will be making an impact again this year.
– While there is a recent report that might mack it back for the final week of the regular season for the Rays, you can write him off for fantasy purposes.

Nick Pollack

Founder of Pitcher List. Creator of CSW, The List, and SP Roundup. Worked with MSG, FanGraphs, CBS Sports, and Washington Post. Former college pitcher, travel coach, pitching coach, and Brandeis alum. Wants every pitcher to be dope.

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