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MLB 2017: Top 10 relievers

By Joshua Sadlock

Jul 9, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) reacts after the game ending throw by second baseman Jonathan Schoop (not pictured) in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeated Los Angeles Angels 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) reacts after the game ending throw by second baseman Jonathan Schoop (not pictured) in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeated Los Angeles Angels 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 13, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Wade Davis (17) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Wade Davis (17) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Wade Davis, Chicago Cubs

A year ago, Davis would have landed in the top five of this list, and maybe even in the top two. The Royals switched him to the bullpen full time before the 2014 season, and his career took off. In the two years that followed, he logged 139.1 innings with a 0.97 ERA and allowed only three home runs while striking out 12.1 per nine. When Greg Holland went down with an elbow injury, Davis stepped into the closer’s role without a hitch.

Unfortunately, Davis was shelved with a flexor strain in July of last season, and missed parts of two months. He was not nearly as effective after the injury, and finished the year with a 1.87 ERA. On the bright side, he did not allow a single home run. Davis made only 14 appearances in the second half last year, and pitched to a 3.21 ERA while allowing a .273 batting average.

The Cubs traded Jorge Soler for Davis in December, and are betting on a return to health in 2017. If Davis is healthy and as dominant as he was for two straight years, the Cubs have an easy replacement for Aroldis Chapman without the bad PR. Soler had the potential to blossom into a 30-homer bat, but was crowded out of the Cubs outfield, so even if Davis is a shade below his former self, it will be a good trade.

Flexor strains in the elbows of relief pitchers, however, are no minor thing. Joe Maddon should do everything in his power to avoid pushing Davis early in the season. The Cubs are good enough that they can get by without riding their closer in April and May.

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