Fantasy Baseball Player Notes

Emmanuel Clase fell just short of leading MLB in saves for the third year in a row. He still closed 47 games for the Guardians, setting the team's single-season record. Clase threw 74 1/3 innings with a microscopic 0.61 ERA and 0.66 WHIP. Clase offers a devastating combo of cutter/slider that keeps opposing batters off balance and unable to make good contact. He also doesn't walk people. However, he doesn't strike many out (K% of 24.4), but the trade-off is well worth it to have the top closer on a good team. Clase is RP1 in 2025, and it's not close.

Tanner Bibee was one of the most anticipated starting pitchers coming into 2024, and he delivered a fantastic season. He started 31 games, pitching 173 2/3 innings and striking out 187 batters on his way to a 3.47 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. That being said, some concerning underlying numbers make him a bit risky in 2025. Bibee gave up 1.14 HR/9, and his fastball proved to be extremely hittable. Opposing batters slugged .476 off the pitch with an xBA of .283. A four-seamer with those numbers can spell trouble, particularly against teams that face him more often. Bibee should have good win equity in 2025, but he is much better seen as an SP3 than the ace of your fantasy staff.