Almost every Fantasy Baseball player is in need of saves. Saves are being spread out more than ever, with several teams not going with one closer. Speculating on saves before a guy gets the job will save a lot of money.
I decided to take a shot on Phillies reliever Hector Neris a couple of weeks ago and it appears he’s the leading candidate to get saves. It cost me very little. He went for $150-$300 in high stakes leagues over the weekend. It’s best to avoid these volatile investments. Here are a few potential closers that will cost little for now.
Hansel Robles, Los Angeles Angels
Current closer Cody Allen has struggled in his nine games. He has a 6.14 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, 22.2 percent strikeout rate and 16.7 percent walk rate. He has allowed a 47.6 percent hard hit rate, 66.7 percent fly ball rate and the velocity is down. Allen is only throwing first-pitch strikes 52.8 percent of the time. He also struggled in the second half last season. Allen allowed a walk and homer on Sunday and was removed. In a 14-inning game Monday, the Angels didn’t call on him. Robles throws hard and looks dominant at times, but was inconsistent with the Mets. He has pitched well with the Angels and has been used in the eighth inning often. Robles was brought in to a 2-2 game in the top of the ninth against the Yankees Monday and retired the side in order. In 11.1 innings, he has a 3.18 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 34.8 percent strikeout rate and 6.5 percent walk rate.
Ty Buttrey, Los Angeles Angels
Many were expecting Cody Allen to falter and hoped Buttery would be next in line. It appears Robles is ahead of Buttrey, but it doesn’t man Buttery can’t work his way into the role. In 11 games, Buttrey hasn’t allowed a run, has a 1.29 WHIP, 33.3 percent strikeout rate and 7.7 percent walk rate. He has a 56.5 percent ground ball rate and a 14.6 percent swinging strike rate. Buttrey closed late last season and had four saves.
Nick Anderson, Miami Marlins
The Marlins won’t win many games and they will look to deal some of the veteran relievers. Anderson has dominated in 9.2 innings. He has a 2.79 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 48.8 percent strikeout rate and 4.9 percent walk rate. He has struck out 20, throws first-pitch strikes 73.2 percent of the time and an 18.2 percent swinging strike rate. He has an unlucky .438 BABIP and when contact is made, it’s hard at 66.7 percent. Even if he doesn’t get saves, he can help improve ratios.
Shawn Kelley, Texas Rangers
The Rangers gave closer Jose Leclerc a vote of confidence, but he’s been terrible. He was pulled from a save situation Sunday when he faced seven batters and walked four, allowed a homer and two runs. His appearance days prior he had trouble finding the strike zone, but was bailed out by a generous umpire. In eight innings, Leclerc has allowed eight hits, seven runs,seven walks, two home runs and struck out nine. He has a 7.88 ERA and 1.88 WHIP. Leclerc’s velocity has increased, but he has an extremely low 7.1 percent swinging strike rate. Kelley could be next in line and I added in a few leagues for cheap over the weekend. Kelley has a 1.80 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 25.7 percent strikeout rate and hasn’t allowed a walk. He has allowed a lot of hard contact, but it’s all about opportunity.
