Fantasy baseball 2020 tiered relief pitcher rankings

This set of relievers are good RP2s in most leagues.

Alex Colome, CWS

Colome was solid in Tampa Bay. In his first season with the White Sox, he was still good but there was some regression. He finished with a 2.80 ERA, 1.066 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 8.1 K/9 with 30 saves.

The White Sox improved their team on all fronts this offseason. But, with the higher expectations could see a change at closer. Until that happens, Colome will start the season as the closer. He will give you enough saves with no-so-damaging ratios.

Nick Anderson, TB

After traveling across the state at the trade deadline, Anderson looked good for the Rays. In 21.1 innings, he posted a 2.11 ERA, 0.656 WHIP, 0.8 BB/9 and 17.3 K/9. He wasn’t getting many saves due to Emilio Pagan pitching well himself.

Now, with Pagan gone, Anderson is likely to take over the closing role but the Rays have an abundance of relief pitchers, specifically Diego Castillo and Jose Alvarado. Even without a full season of save opportunities, Anderson will still give you excellent ratios and a lot of strikeouts.

Hector Neris, PHI

Neris had his best season as the Phillies full-time closer. In 67.2 innings, he had a 2.93 ERA and a 1.020 WHIP. The walk rate was a bit high at 3.2 BB/9 but the strikeout rate was a solid 11.8 K/9. Neris had just 28 saves, though.

He had an increased usage in his split-finger fastball, which resulted in a 45.5 percent ground ball rate. If he maintains that rate, especially in the competitive NL East, he will be a top-15 closer again this season.

Raisel Iglesias, CIN

Iglesias had a weird year last season. He posted better strikeout and walk rates compared to 2018 but saw regression to his ratios. Iglesias recorded 34 saves in 68 games. He was charged with 12 losses as well. The Reds used him a lot in losing situations.

The Reds offense improved this offseason, so let’s hope Iglesias won’t be saddled with as many losses. He has the closer job locked up. But if we see the ups-and-downs again this season, his usage may change. With a 135 ADP, he’s worth the risk.

Craig Kimbrel, CHC

Kimbrel waited months into the regular season before signing with the Cubs. Both parties probably regret that. In 20.2 innings, he finished with a 6.53 ERA, 1.597 WHIP and 13 saves. He did record 30 strikeouts with just 12 walks.

But, things can only get better. The delayed start to the season will help him work on control and shake off any rust he had entering last season. With a 139 ADP, he’s a good option for those owners waiting for saves.

Ken Giles, TOR

Giles looked good in his first season with the Blue Jays. He posted a 1.87 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9, 14.1 K/9 and 23 saves over 53.0 innings. Even the hitter-friendly confines of the AL East didn’t affect Giles last season.

Something to keep in mind, though, is Giles is a free agent at the end of the season. So, he will either be traded to a contender or moved out of the closer role by August. He’ll be worth his ADP for the first half of the season, at least.