We’re taking a look at the fantasy baseball closer scene to provide advice and takeaways as you start your new fantasy baseball season. Let’s take a look at some of the happenings around the bullpens and how to capitalize for your fantasy baseball squad.
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Fantasy Baseball Closer Updates & Targets
Fulmer leads the way
Michael Fulmer got the first save of the season for the Chicago Cubs, with his chief rival for the closer role, Brad Boxberger, pitching in the eighth inning of the Cubs opener. If he registers their next save, it seems concrete that he is the guy in Chicago. Fulmer has looked fantastic and has always had nice skills, and if he does get the next chance, he should be the top waiver pickup in all formats where he is still available.
Marlin Mayhem
Who is the Marlins closer? Smart money says it is likely Dylan Floro because of his experience in the role already, but the dark horse is A.J. Puk, who looked unhittable in spring training and was part of a trade in the offseason with the A’s. If the Marlins get a couple of save opportunities and give them to Puk, he could be a second-tier closer very quickly with his skills.
Rockies Road
With Daniel Bard out, the Rockies are in need of a closer. Dinelson Lamet and Brad Hand are the likely favorites to fill the role. The Rockies won’t win a lot of games this year, but Bard did lead the NL in saves last year, so there is some upside here if one of these guys can get the job in Bard’s absence
Is Jimenez the guy?
Dany Jimenez got the first save for the Athletics on Opening Night. However, he has not looked good all spring and did get in in the outing before shutting the door on the Angels. If he gets the next save, then maybe he is the guy, but this could end up being a committee on a team with not a lot of wins, or Trevor May could grab the job and run with it.
Philly Committee
The Phillies have a lot of options at the backend of their bullpen, so it is hard to figure out who their closer could be or if it will be a straight committee. It is important to watch and see if anyone gets back-to-back opportunities because the Phillies are a good team, and whoever emerges from Seranthony Dominguez, Craig Kimbrel, Jose Alvarado, and Gregory Soto could be a monster for saves. However, chances are that this is a frustrating committee.
Robertson leads the way?
David Robertson got the first save chance as expected and was able to close out the Marlins, but the Mets were unwilling to name him the closer before the start of the series, making it possible that they will share the duties with Robertson and Adam Ottavino. If Robertson gets the next save as well, maybe he is the guy, but it is something to watch.
Reynaldo Over Graveman?
Reynaldo Lopez got the first save for the White Sox, but now we need to see if this is a committee or if Kendall Graveman is going to share the duties with Lopez. Lopez has a huge upside if the role is his, but this could be a murky situation.
If you want to dive deeper into fantasy baseball, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Baseball Tools as you navigate your season. From our Lineup Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team, and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy baseball season.
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