Deep Sleeper: RP Jake McGee

Sep 9, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Jake McGee (57) pitches against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Rays defeated the Yankees 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Rays will be without their starting closer for the first month and a half of the 2015 season. Jake McGee had surgery to remove a bone in his left elbow in December. When he returns, he should take over the closer role and be a top-15 player. As you prepare for your draft, McGee will fall far, making him a nice sleeper option in standard leagues. 

More from FanSided

• Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
• Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
• Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
• Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
• MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle

McGee took over the closer role in June when Grant Balfour was removed from the role. In a short amount of time, he had that spot locked up. Despite blowing four saves in 23 attempts, he kept his ERA and WHIP down, which is wanted by all fantasy owners. In 2014, he finished with 19 saves, 90 strikeouts, a 1.89 ERA and .897 WHIP in 73 games.

Fantasy owners should want a closer who can provide good numbers across all the pitching categories. Fernando Rodney had the most saves with 48, but also had a 2.85 ERA. Greg Holland was the No. 1 closer on ESPN’s Player Rater with 46 saves, 1.61 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. Which player would you rather have? That’s what I thought.

More from Fantasy Baseball

• 5 fantasy baseball waiver wire pivots to replace Triston McKenzie
• Fantasy baseball mock draft 2023, 12-team: Aaron Judge over Trea Turner?
• 3 fantasy baseball sleepers being drafted too late
• NBA DFS picks December 25: Merry Bucking Christmas
• Fantasy Baseball: Hot pitchers worthy of starting this weekend

McGee has been throwing from 105 feet for the past couple of days. His progress looks good, but a late-April, mid-May return is the target. As a result, Grant Balfour is the likely replacement until Mcgee returns. I would leave Balfour alone when looking for a No. 2 or 3 closer.

As a result of the injury, McGee’s draft stock sharply falls. He will likely be drafted between Rounds 18 and 20. He could end up performing like a top-10 reliever. However, with the lost time and potential competition among teammates, he will likely be a No. 2 closer in a standard mixed league.

As a No. 2 closer, using a 20th-round pick on McGee is excellent value.