White Sox: Nate Jones Could be a Fantasy RP Gem in 2017

By Brad Kelly | Mar 10, 2017

Jul 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Nate Jones (65) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at U.S. Cellular Field. Chicago won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Nate Jones was great for the White Sox in 2016. Could he be a fantasy gem again in 2017?

Drafting relievers in fantasy baseball is always an interesting debate. The volatility of the position scares most, making plenty of drafters wait till the later rounds to target the position. This strategy often gives set-up men more value as they are looked at as the “next in line” to take the closer job if necessary. That brings us to the White Sox’, Nate Jones.

Nate Jones has been with the White Sox since 2007, goring from starter to converted reliever. He debuted with the big league club in 2012 and had back to back productive seasons out of the bullpen before going under the knife in 2014 to TJ surgery.

Last season was his first full seasons removed from the surgery and he would go on to post a career-best 2.29 ERA/0.89 WHIP/80 K/28 HLD line over 70 innings. He re-emerged as the backend of the bullpen arm that the White Sox envisioned him being and fantasy owners surely took notice.

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The great thing about owning Jones in 2017 will be the value he brings in leagues that reward Holds and those leagues that do not. Clearly, his value in HLDS leagues is greater. He had a modest 28 HLD last season, but his sterling accompanying stats made him a great value off the waiver wire.

Jones is tough to hit thanks to his unconventional delivery and his velocity. Even after surgery, Jones averaged 98 mph with his fastball which ranked among the top-10 in all of MLB. He pairs that mostly with an 89 mph slider, creating a lethal two pitch mix. He was effective against both lefties and righties too last season, posting .184/42 K versus RH and .200/38 K versus LH.

Even with his funky delivery, command is no issue. He had a minuscule 5.5% BB rate last season, only walking 15 batters last season, The 80 K may not be the 100+ K numbers that some modern set-up man can offer, but 80-90 K is a solid amount regardless. The White Sox are in the middle of a rebuild and they will struggle this season, but with Jose Quintana and Carlos Rodon, there should be ample chances for HLDS.

What could also make him a fantasy gem in 2017, is that he could become the White Sox’ closer rather quickly? It is widely known that David Robertson has been on the trade block all offseason and that will not change. He will be shipped at some point this season, opening the door for Jones to be a second half closer at least.

Next: Marlins: Kyle Barraclough a Fantasy Sleeper?

Nate Jones is a solid set-up man who looks primed to be the closer at some point. A lot of fantasy owners target set-up men that they hope to overtake the role. Jones seemingly is the most likely to gain that job yet can offer great value in the meantime whether it be HLDS or just his other stats. Target him in the later rounds this spring.

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