With the trade deadline fast approaching, the saves chasers will be paying close attention to the rumors to target the next arm up in bullpens where the closer gets dealt. But, knowing which relievers faring the best in high leverage could provide valuable insight in identifying relievers to stash in the next two weeks.
There’s been some interesting movement since the initial launch of the metric on the Fantasy Alarm site. Especially within the top five high leverage pitchers in the last run of the numbers.
Here's how the top-36 based on average rank shape up so far:
Matt Selz worked diligently to get all relievers listed, not just the qualified ones to provide a more accurate portrayal of bullpens and performance. Here’s a recap of the top five relievers as of the latest ranks:
Scott Oberg , Colorado - Oberg ranks second among National League relievers with a 1.18 ERA despite his attachment to Coors Field with a baseball proven to travel further this season. He’s also won five games with three saves and eight holds. Oberg’s not allowed an earned run since June 10th with nine straight scoreless innings spanning seven contests. Yes, he’s conceded the closer role to Wade Davis , but Oberg holds more value for his team as the effector than the closer.
Liam Hendriks , Oakland - In case you missed last week’s Behind the Breakout on Hendriks, you can access it here (https://www.fantasyalarm.com/articles/gjewett/72119/behind-the-breakout-liam-hendriks/). Since Blake Treinen landed on the injured list on June 21st, Hendriks has recorded six saves while reeling off 18 straight scoreless innings which remains active. He owns the lowest reliever ERA (0.92) in baseball and not been scored upon in 30 of his last 32 appearances (0.73 ERA).
Kirby Yates , San Diego - No surprise here, Yates has been nails all season long anchoring the Padres bullpen converting 30 of 32 save chances. He’s working on an eight inning scoreless streak. Plus, Yates limits damage to both sides of the plate with a .187 batting average against by left-handed hitters and a .149 average yielded versus right-handed batters. Although Yates seems on his way to a career year, his team could deal him with his value never being higher. If this happens, be sure to keep tabs on Andres Munoz. He’s the next big thing in this bullpen.
Taylor Rogers , Minnesota - Not only has Rogers recorded five saves pitching at least two innings, he’s converted nine of his last 10 save opportunities. Surging to a 1.67 ERA with a robust 55:7 K:BB through 42.2 innings, he’s vastly underrated in fantasy circles.
Josh Hader , Milwaukee - Fun statistic, Hader’s allowed all 12 runs against on nine home runs. He’s only given up eight other hits this season. Everyone knows Hader can rack up strikeouts with 82 over 45 innings to this point, but will his back hold up? Not just from injury issues, but from carrying the Brewers bullpen on it.
When thinking of the preseason list of closers take according to average draft position, the list above does not resemble it at all. It’s so important to identify potential breakout relievers or get them off of waivers before they cost full retail in precious FAAB money. It’s going to be interesting to see if the Giants can parlay their recent success into more talent if they do sell before the deadline:
As a negotiator, Farhan can use this recent #SFGiants hot streak as a way to increase his position at the trade table. Any thoughts of a desperation to sell off his rentals have greatly diminished. Clubs that want Bum or Smith will have to up the ante. Farhan has the upper hand.
— Brooks Knudsen (@BrooksKnudsen) July 16, 2019
There are numerous teams in the hunt for a closer or much needed high leverage impact, just check the team rankings. Will Smith represents one of the best options on the market as a pending free agent. He’s 24-for-25 in save chances this year and 38-for-42 (90.4 percent conversion rate) since taking over as closer June 29th of last year.
Many will track how the progress of Nathan Eovaldi goes with him heading to Pawtucket to start his rehab assignment to prepare to finish the season as Boston’s closer. It’s funny, since Brandon Workman notched his fourth save on Monday night and owns a 0.90 ERA his last 20 innings dating back to May 26th. By the way, Workman ranks eighth on the latest list. He also leads all relievers in wins (8), opponents batting average (.102), slugging percentage allowed (.161) and on-base plus slugging percentage yielded (.418). If Eovaldi struggles with health or the transition to the bullpen, be sure Workman remains on rosters if there’s room.
It’s apparent the Royals will open for business dealing Homer Bailey to Oakland already and Ian Kennedy could be a valued asset as the trade deadline nears. Kennedy’s recorded the save in 12 of his last 13 chances with a 1.76 ERA and 0.92 WHIP since May 30th covering his last 15.1 innings. Not sure if Scott Barlow will get a chance to close for the Royals or if Richard Lovelady gets another shot at high leverage, so stay tuned.
Many more pieces will fall into place to study up on the reliever metrics and the team rankings when deciding who to stash. Not many people talk about Giovanny Gallegos , but he ranks seventh in the latest list and leads National League relievers in strikeouts to walks ratio (8.57), fourth in strikeout percentage (37.7) along with fifth in strikeouts (60) this season. Those looking to ratio help in deep leagues should give him a look.
Some stash candidates include, but are not limited to: Aaron Bummer of the White Sox, Oliver Drake of Tampa Bay, Justin Shafer of the Blue Jays and Yoan López of the Diamondbacks.
Be sure to stay with Fantasy Alarm to remain ahead of the competition as the trade deadline nears.
Statistical Credits:
Fangraphs.com
MLB.com - Game Notes
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Daulton Varsho picked up three hits, three RBI and a homer in a win over the Angels on Thursday.
Varsho has only played in seven games this year, but they’ve been seven good ones. He’s homered three times already, and his slugging percentage is a remarkable — and entirely unsustainable — .727 over 22 at-bats. Varsho has been a mediocre offensive player in his two seasons with the Blue Jays, but it’s possible at the age of 28 he’s having a breakout campaign. Far from a guarantee, but possible.
Taylor Ward hit a two-run homer in a loss to the Blue Jays on Thursday.
Ward, 31, gave the Angels a 2-0 lead with a two-run homer off Chris Bassitt in the first inning. He’s now gone deep in two of his last three games, and it ‘improves’ his slash to .181/.224/.391. Ward has been one of the most hot/cold players players in the sport over the last few years, so fantasy managers who can afford to make some roster moves may want to look at Ward while the going is good.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. picked up three hits and scored twice in an 8-5 win over the Angels on Thursday.
Guerrero also drew a walk. It gives the first baseman multiple hits in back-to-back games, and it’s the third time in May that he’s reached that mark. That’s helped raise his average from .268 to .295, and the only thing fantasy managers can be disappointed with is his .432 slugging percentage. That number should continue to climb as the season unfolds, but Vladdy Jr. has had some inconsistent seasons when it comes to power production.
Chad Green picked up his first save of 2025 with a scoreless ninth against the Angels on Thursday.
Green got the save after Jeff Hoffman worked in back-to-back games — and struggled — in the first two contests against the Angels. He struck out two and looked the part while needing just nine pitches to get through the inning. Hoffman should remain the closer, but Green is on his tail if the struggles were to continue.
Chris Bassitt allowed five runs — four earned — while working six-plus innings against the Angels on Thursday while picking up a win.
Bassitt allowed three runs over the first two innings on a pair of homers, but settled down over his next four frames. He came out to work the seventh, but ended up being charged for two more runs after leaving the contest. The 36-year-old veteran has forged a 3.35 ERA and outstanding 49/8 K/BB ratio over the first quarter of the season, but this wasn’t him at his best. He’ll get the Rays next week if the rotation order stays the same for Toronto.
José Soriano allowed three runs over five innings while not factoring in the decision Thursday against the Blue Jays.
Soriano left with a 4-3 lead, but it was erased quickly after his departure. The 26-year-old was not exactly dominant in his outing with eight hits allowed and four free passes, but he did strike out six to help balance things out a smidgen. Soriano takes an even ERA of 4.00 into a scheduled start against the Padres in San Diego on Tuesday. There should be better options for that one.