Fantasy Baseball 2019: 5 Late-Draft Relief Pitchers

Managers are using relief pitchers more than ever. This makes the pool of players deeper than ever for fantasy baseball.

Relief pitchers are an integral part of fantasy baseball. For one, they have a category all to themselves, saves. They also give a boost to ERA, WHIP and strikeouts. They can also give you the occasional win if you roster a middle reliever or set-up man. But, because of their limited value, some owners like to draft the top closers early and not worry about anything.

I go the opposite route. Looking at the stats compared to ADP, there isn’t’ much of a difference between the No. 1 and No. 20 closer. I’d rather wait for my first reliever and continue building my offense and starting rotation. With more managers going with a committee approach and not using their starters as much, even the middle relievers have value.

Like my previous two posts, I used FantasyPros ADP chart. Because not every relief pitchers is not worthy of a roster spot, I will list relievers with ADPs outside 150.0. As you will see, there is plenty of talent after Round 15.

They may not get saves but the low ratios and the additional wins and strikeouts give them value in all league formats. So while owners are using a fifth-round pick on Edwin Diaz or Blake Treinen, here are five relief pitchers you can draft late to help your fantasy baseball team.

Jose Alvarado, ADO 176.6

The Rays were the first team to use the “opener” strategy but they still have a need for a closer. They surprisingly won 90 games and Sergio Romo recorded 25 saves last season. The offense underwent some changes but they can compete for a Wild Card spot this year.

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Alvarado posted a 2.39 ERA, 1.109 WHIP, 80 strikeouts and eight saves in 64.0 innings. While it hasn’t been made official, Alvarado is the favorite to win the closer job. His high strikeout rate and low ratios make him a candidate to finish in the top 15.

Jordan Hicks, ADP 199.8

In his first season, Hicks posted decent numbers. Over 77.2 innings, he finished with a 3.59 ERA, 1.339 WHIP, 70 strikeouts, 45 walks and six saves. If he can manage his command and limit the free passes, he will be a top-20 closer.

Though, the Cardinals have a stacked bullpen with the newly acquired Andrew Miller, the returning Alex Reyes and Carlos Martine in the mix. Hicks has looked good this spring, 0.00 ERA, 1.750 WHIP, 10 strikeouts and six walks in 4.0 innings.

Dellin Betances, ADP 236.0

I could listed every Yankees non-closer as a value pick. Chad Green, Adam Ottavino, Zach Britton and Betances will all make a significant impact out of the Yankees bullpen. Betances stands out because of his hard throwing.

Betances had at least 100 strikeouts in each of the last five seasons and this season should be no different. He may not be in line for many saves, but he will help your ratios as well as add another 100 strikeouts to your team.

A.J. Minter, ADP 273.2

Minter may not be on this list if it weren’t for his teammate Arodys Vizcaino being a bit unreliable as the Braves closer. Vizcaino hasn’t pitched more than 60 innings in his career and with Atlanta being a playoff contender, there will be save opportunities.

Minter left a spring training game with shoulder tightness two weeks ago. There hasn’t been an update since but I expect him to be ready by Opening Day. If you play in a holds league, Minter becomes more valuable. If not, you’re stashing him in case of an injury or a change in roles.

Will Smith, ADP 394.4

Smith is the Giants closer with no true competition. Mark Melancon is slotted as the set-up man and could record a save or two during the week but it’s Smith’s job. After missing the 2017 season, Smith posted a 2.55 ERA, 0.981 WHIP, 71 strikeouts and 14 saves in 53.0 innings.

The Giants aren’t the best team in the league and are projected to finish last in the NL West. However, they can still win 65 games and Smith will have a chance to record 25 saves. Smith will be valuable as your fourth relief pitcher.

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Whether it’s a boost in saves, ratios, strikeouts or even wins, relief pitchers can make a difference in your fantasy league. If you use holds as a stat, the middle relief and set-up pitchers have the same value as the second or third tier of closers. There’s no need to draft one early with this level of talent available late.

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