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