The relief pitchers in this tier are effective when they’re on but are sometimes too inconsistent.
Will Harris, WSH
Harris had a successful four years with the Astros, averaging a 2.36 ERA and 0.987 WHIP. He will now pitch in the NL East for the Nationals, a much tougher division after this offseason. Harris posted similar walk and strikeout rates while inducing more ground balls.
With the move to the Nationals, he may see an increase in his ratios and fly ball rate. He’s third in line for saves but will be used a lot throughout the season. Just be careful if you already have one volatile reliever.
Andrew Miller, STL
From 2013 to 2017, Miller was one of the best relievers in the league, even if he wasn’t closing out games. However, he’s posted an ERA over 4.00 for the last two seasons. His strikeout rate is still over 11.0 K/9 but the walk rate increased to over 4.0 BB/9.
Miller’s been dealing with an arm and fingers ailment, preventing him from gripping a baseball. With the delay to the season, this may help him recover in time for Opening Day. But at 34 years old, who knows which version of Miller we get.
James Karinchak, CLE
The same size for Karinchak is very small, just 5.1 innings. He struck out eight while giving up three runs and a walk in that span. He should have a bigger role this season as one of the Indians’ set-up men.
If something should happen to Brad Hand, Karinchak may be in line for more saves. Until then, he’ll give you a lot of strikeouts with good ratios.
Aaron Bummer, CWS
Bummer was one of almost a dozen White Sox players to sign new contracts this offseason. After looking at the 2019 season, I’m not surprised. In 67.2 innings, he posted a 2.13 ERA, 0.990 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9.
The White Sox improved this offseason, giving the team more run support. However, some of the other teams in the division improved too. Bummer is currently not the closer but Alex Colome isn’t the most reliable relief pitcher. He’s a good sleeper pick for potential saves.
Yoshihisa Hirano, SEA
Hirano did not do a good job following up on his rookie season with a good sophomore season. He pitched 53.0 innings with a 4.75 ERA, 1.377 WHIP, 3.7 BB.9 and 10.4 K/9 with the Diamondbacks.
He’ll play the 2020 season with the Mariners in a tougher AL West division. Roster Resource lists Hirano and two other relievers as a committee for the closing job. The offense and pitching staff may not be good enough to support three viable closers. He’s a questionable draft pick.
Matt Barnes, BOS
Barnes has pitched in at least 61 innings in four straight seasons. His strikeout rate has increased each year, but so has his walk rate. Barnes finished with a 15.4 K/9 and 5.3 BB/9 last year. He had a handful saves but nothing to make him worth owning in shallow leagues.
Entering this season, he will be the setup man behind Brandon Workman. He’ll have no problems recording strikeouts but pitching in the AL East could lead to another season with an ERA over 3.50. If you use holds in your league, Barners is the top target.
Yusmeiro Petit, OAK
At 34 years old, Petit posted the best season of his 12-year career. In 83.0 innings over a career-high 80 games, he posted a 2.71 ERA, 0.807 WHIP, 1.1 BB/9 and 7.7 K/9. He’s never been a strikeout pitcher, averaging an 8.0 K/9 rate.
Petit is the setup man in the Oakland bullpen. He’s another man to target if you use holds for relief pitchers. I don’t think the ratios remain as low as they were but even a sub-3.25 ERA is still ownable in this age of baseball.
Jose Alvarado, TB
Alvarado pitched in just 30.0 innings last season. He finished with a 4.80 ERA, 1.867 WHIP, 27 walks and 39 strikeouts. Almost 50 percent of opposing contact resulted in ground balls.
The Rays have a deep bullpen with Alvarado, Diego Castillo and Nick Anderson. I’ll talk about the latter two later. The Rays like to use a rotation of closers but Alvarado could end up with 10 saves with a 3.40 ERA and 60 strikeouts.