We all know how volatile the closer position is in fantasy baseball. Where you draft your closers is probably one of the most polarizing discussions each spring and regardless of which side of the argument you find yourself, the simple fact that saves (or saves plus holds) are a necessary commodity unless your commissioner has removed them from your league scoring. Probably not, though, which means you need to figure out what the best way is for YOU to handle the position.

I can argue both sides actually, but I am never one to punt a category, so I always walk out of my drafts with at least two closers. Sometimes three. I understand that you can always find saves on the waiver wire, but locking down players who not only pitch well for competitive teams, but also have strong job security is a key component to your success. Joe Gallina does the Fantasy Baseball Closer Grid for us here at Fantasy Alarm so you can see where the security is strongest and then I highly recommend you check out this article I wrote for the New York Post to counter the point that closers are just a one-category contributor. From there, you can make the assessment as to where you want to attack saves in your draft.

Here's a look at where they are all going, according to fantasy baseball ADP. 

 

 

ADP Pockets for the Relief Pitcher/Closer Position

Tier 1 (Rounds 4-5)

Strong arms, strong job security and pitching for competitive teams. That’s the recipe. Now, obviously you do not need to invest this much in a closer if you have concerns about position volatility, but if you want an elite closer, you need to pay elite prices.

Tier 2 (Rounds 6-7):

While I do like these pitchers overall, there is certainly some concern for each one. Clase struggled down the stretch last year and the Guardians spent all offseason unsuccessfully trying to trade him. Doval is another strong option, but he’s been worked hard over the last few seasons and has thrown a lot of innings. There may be some fatigue concerns. Iglesias spends at least one trip on the IL each season and Duran is already hurt. Both are still draftable, but you better handcuff them to A.J. Minter and Griffin Jax, respectively.

Tier 3 (Rounds 8-9):

This is where I tend to live for the most part. I love Diaz and Munoz and both Philips and Sewald are going to see a boatload of opportunities. Romano is a little banged up right now and Bednar always runs the risk of being traded to a contender who wants to use him as a set-up man.

Tier 4 (Rounds 10-12):

Holmes and Alzolay are my two favorites here. Decent arms, competitive teams and neither has much in the way of competition, so the leash is nice and long.

Tier 5 (Rounds 13-19)

As I said above, the further down the list you go, the lower the job security and overall talent. If you are punting saves or close to it, this is the tier you want to consider.

Tier 6 (Rounds 20 & beyond):

Not a whole lot you want to get involved with here, though Payamps could be interesting while Williams recovers from the stress fractures in his back. Finnegan will get the early looks but Harvey is right on his heels. Anyone else beyond these guys and it’s simply about speculation., We know roughly 70-percent of the current closers will lose their jobs, so adding the primary set-up man on some teams is a good way to handle some of your later rounds.

*Round assignments set for 12-team leagues

**NFBC ADP date range set for 3/7/24 – 3/22/24  

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