2015 Relief Pitcher Tiers

Sep 11, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher

(54) is congratulated by catcher

(39) after the Reds defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0 at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Positional tiers allow drafters to not only get a better bearing on the position, but also can be utilized as a way to judge if you can either wait or have to pounce on a player you want.

RP

Tier 1- Elite

Aroldis Chapman– What is their to say? He got hit in the face and came back even better. Oh yeah and he throws 200 MPH! Reds should be improved, it is a no brainier.

Craig Kimbrel– Consistency and Dominance. No other words can describe a guy that had a down year because his ERA was 1.61. The Braves will be bad, cutting into his SV chances, but the stats will be there regardless.

Greg Holland– Back to back 45+ SV seasons, combined with 100 K potential, puts him in the discussion for the top RP taken. He is a no doubter.

Tier 2-Solid Buys

David Robertson– While he lacks the pizzazz of the top three closers, he managed to fill the Mariano void pretty easily. Signing with the White Sox will place him in the midst of a potential 40 SV season and he could eclipse 100 K’s if he can avoid the long ball. He is one of the safest options at the position.

Dellin Betances– This is an aggressive ranking on Betances, but when a RP strikes out 135, you take notice. The only downside to him winning the closer job, will be that his IP will be cut back, thus limiting his K’s some. Regardless of his role, owners should be make an effort to draft him as he can mask any holes on an entire fantasy pitching staff.

Kenley Jansen– Clearly without the broken foot he would have slotted right behind Holland in the elite tier. He will probably miss the first month of the season, which will obviously cut into his SV’s and K’s. But he proves as a great draft and stash candidate, because we all know the value he has when he is on the field.

Mark Melancon– Since going to the Pirates, Melancon has been lights out. With Jason Grilli out of the picture, he amassed 33 SV’s and 1.90 ERA. He does not post the crazy K numbers, as he relies more on inducing grounders. That limits his value some, but the stats do not lie and this season could vault him close to the elite.

Cody Allen– For some reason the Indians did not realize that Allen was the answer to their closing job until later in the season. All Allen did was post 24 SV’s and struck out 91. That marks back to back years that he has put up elite RP stats. Target him because he is a solid RP that could find himself near the elite after this season.

Tier 3- Do The Job

Steve Cishek– Cishek seems to be overlooked every year when fantasy owners are discussing their top RP. Back to back 30+ SV seasons should finally get owners’ attention. He showcases great control and has a unique delivery that has proven to be a tough test against hitters. He also chipped in with 84 K’s, so he is a prime target for astute owners as his price normally drops on draft day.

Fernando Rodney– It seems like experts have been saying that Rodney should have broken down for the last three years. All Rodney has done is average 44 SV’s over that time. He will never be a guy that will showcase his control and that can lead to rocky save opportunities. But his fastball/change-up combo has had hitters reeling. Do not overpay for him on draft day, but he is definitely a guy that will flirt with 40 SV’s this year on an ever improving Mariners squad.

Zach Britton-From failed starter to 37 SV closer, Britton seems to have found a role where he can thrive. He does a great job at inducing ground balls and often stays out of trouble by minimizing the amount of balls hit in the air at the band box that is Camden Yards. The only thing that keeps him out of the above tier is that he does not strike enough people out, (62 K’s in 76 IP).

Trevor Rosenthal-These next two guys probably deserve to be in the next tier, but they have the upside to be with the elite. Rosenthal actually posted a pretty good stat line last year (45 SV, 87 K, 3.20). But he often labored through his appearances because of his control. If he lowers his ERA and controls his walks, he can post numbers that are Holland-Lite. Do not be afraid to target him in drafts, just realize that he would be better suited as your second closer instead of banking on him as your bullpen ace.

Drew Storen– Storen’s situation mirrors that of Rosenthal’s. Both are in great situations, have put up solid stats, yet questions still surround them. Storen has always been a roller coaster ride whenever he comes in. But he still holds value as he proved that he can still do the job. Drafters should be careful though that besides his propensity to have rough stretches, he lacks the K potential that Rosenthal has. Owners would be wise to invest in him, but also make sure that they invest in a safer option to lead their bullpen.

Tier 4- Questions/But Still Produce

Joaquin Benoit– Benoit has been one of the best relievers over the last 5 years and he continued that in San Diego. When Huston Street was traded, Benoit showed that he was capable of closing. However, there is some question if he can do that over the course of an entire season and Kevin Quackenbush is lurking as a replacement. I am not worried too much as Benoit should be able to maintain RP 1 status, but it would be wise to handcuff him however.

Koji Uehara– Uehara is an effective closer that fantasy owners have grown to love to own when he is hot. He can be downright unhittable at times but last year the injury bug caught him again. Shoulder injuries, especially when you are 40, are red flags. If healthy, he should have no problem getting to 30 saves, but there is obvious risk associated with him and his late season struggles.

Huston Street– The only question with Street, is can he stay on the field enough to prove to be a RP1. Street had over 41 SV’s last season, so his value is extremely high. He is on a good team and should have a good amount of save opportunities, just plan on having him on the DL during the year.

Jonathan Papelbon– The topic of every trade discussion, Papelbon, is still on the Phillies. Papelbon seems to always produce even if it is ugly.  I would not be thrilled if he is traded back to the AL, so just keep that in mind when drafting him. No matter where he goes however, he should provide value around a RP 2 or 3, but you should expect some ugly save chances.

Hector Rondon– One the quietest 29 SV seasons you will ever see is that produced by Hector Rondon. Rondon by far was the Cubs best option to close, so when he got the job it was long overdue. He should provide ample value, but keep in mind they did bring in Jason Motte and in-house candidate Pedro Strop could step in if necessary.

Santiago Casilla– With Romo’s struggles, the Giants needed someone to step in and take the closer gig. Casilla proved that and should maintain the job, yet Romo still lurks if he struggles. Target him as a mid-tier closer but be aware that a rough stretch could have him back in the set-up role.

Francisco Rodriguez– K-Rod recently just re-signed with the Brewers and should take over the closer role he had last season. The stats are impressive, but he is prone to the long ball, so there will be rough stretches. K-Rod should still proves to be a RP2.

Tyler Clippard– After coming to Oakland this offseason, and with the news of Doolittle’s injury, it seems as though Clippard will get the opportunity to parlay his elite set-up skills into the closer gig. He should be a fantasy owner’s target as he should get save chances throughout the start of the season, even though his value may take a hit if Doolittle effectively returns.

Tier 5- MASH Unit

Sean Doolittle– Doolittle really emerged last season and purely dominated while really just using one pitch. He relied majorly on an above 90’s fastball that proved to be unhittable. But unfortunately for fantasy owners, news of a slightly torn rotator cuff has us questioning if he is worth the risk. For me, a pitcher that normally relies on velocity to overmatch hitters, combined with a tear in the shoulder, means I am staying far away from him. For fantasy owners, you will have to judge for yourself if the plunge may be worth it.

Glen Perkins– Perkins has proven to be more of the more consistent and unsung closers in baseball. Over the last two seasons, he has amassed 70 SV’s. Last season, he struggled though and that was largely due to forearm and elbow injuries. Those injuries can be tricky so if he proves to be healthy, then he belongs higher. But for now just have some measured hesitancy.

Jake McGee– He was one of the most dominant relievers in baseball last season, and proved that he could thrive in the closer job. Unfortunately, he had elbow surgery in December and will miss the beginning of the season. If he was not hurt, he would be near my top 10 but unfortunately his elbow raises concern. He also has to deal with an effective Brad Boxberger who could run away with the role in April. However, drafters should be targeting him late as he is a great buy-low candidate.

Neftali Feliz– Once lauded as one of the most electric pitchers in baseball, the last couple seasons have proved to be trying. Last season, he was coming off Tommy John surgery but eventually got the closing gig. He has battled a multitude of injuries so he remains to be risky, but intriguing. Draft accordingly.

Addison Reed-Reed was shaky last season.  A 4.25 ERA and six blown saves will do that. He had patella tendon surgery in September and is behind schedule this spring. He is one of those guys that will give you headaches as he labors through each save, but he also still has some intriguing upside, (improved his K/9 and BB’s last season) . Draft him as RP 3 or 4, but do not be afraid to cut him early either.

Tier 6- Holds/Handcuffs

Wade Davis– One of the pillars in the most dominant 1-2 punch in baseball is Wade Davis. Davis has certainly found his niche and he was downright nasty. He by far is the one true set up man that I would reach for in drafts, because he can mask other pitching areas on your team. He struck out 109 batters last season and he is a prime source of Holds. Make an effort to target him.

Andrew Miller– Arguably the best set up man last year finds himself in another intriguing spot. He will compete for the closing job, but no matter what role he earns, he will be a great RP this year. I can envision him and Betances both having 20+ SVs and the possibility of posting 20+ Holds, while also chipping in 80+ K’s. Not too shabby for the back end of your pitching unit.

Luke Gregerson– Gregerson may wind up with the closer job by the end of the spring, but this rank marks his current role. He has been a great set up man for years and he would probably handle the closer duty fine. I can just envision the Astros using him more in the higher leverage situations like in the 7^th or 8^th inning, rather than just soley appearing in the 9^th. Fantasy owners should hope that he lands the closing job, that he way he will be of more value.

Brad Boxberger– The Rays always seem to build a quality bullpen, but with Jake McGee down for at least the beginning of the year, Boxberger will need to step up. Boxberger quietly struck out 104 batters last year, while also posting a 2.37 ERA. He is quietly a sneaky source of early saves and will be valuable in whatever role all season. Target him late.

Ken Giles– Fantasy owners should be hoping that Papelbon gets traded before the season, allowing Giles the chance to become the Phillies closer. Giles is electric and could prove to be a great selection late as he should have value in any relief role he gets.

Brett Cecil– It appears that the Blue Jays are content with giving Cecil the chance to take the closer job going into the season. I will not believe that until the season begins because I think that Cecil is better served as a match-up guy. I still think that Aaron Sanchez should be the Jays closer, but if the Blue Jays give Cecil the job then I would bump him up a tier.

Sergio Romo– Romo had a rough stretch last year which ultimately costed him his job to Casilla. After those rough outings, he righted the ship and even posted a 1.80 ERA over his last 20 appearances. He should be a solid handcuff and I would not be surprised if he retakes the closer job at some point.

Kevin Quackenbush– Outside of Benoit, Quackenbush was one of the bright spots in the Padres bullpen. Benoit proved last season that he should be able to handle closing duties but Quackenbush serves as a good handcuff as he is one of the better set up man on an improved ball club.

Joakim Soria– With the floundering Nathan serving as his only competition, Soria should eventually take the closing job. In the meantime he should be a nice source of holds until he gets handed the reins to the closing gig.

Tier 7- Warm Bodies

Joe Nathan– Anyone who either is a Tigers fan or owned him last season knows the struggles Nathan went through. Every save was tumultuous and he will have an extremely short leash. Soria probably should be handling the duties anyway, so draft Nathan if you are desperate.

LaTroy Hawkins– Yes he is still pitching, since 1995 in fact. This will be his last season, and he has proven to at least be able to close games at an efficient rate. He will probably have a short leash this season with Rex Brothers and Adam Ottavino lurking, so suppress your expectations.

Jenrry Mejia– Seems like he will compete with Jeurys Familia for the closer job, at least till Bobby Parnell comes back. I give the nod to Mejia, he has the better stuff and proved he can handle the job last season. But with multiple guys that can close any night, it is hard to measure his true value at this point. If he gets the job outright, he is worth a flier.

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