Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2019 Fantasy Baseball Rest of Season Notes
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1.
Max Scherzer
SP - WSH
With a short IL stint, Verlander has passed up Scherzer as the top performer so far this year but the stay should be brief, as there is no better fantasy pitcher in the game when healthy than Scherzer. In fact, he may be #4 in all of fantasy behind only Trout, Yelich and Bellinger.
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2.
Justin Verlander
SP - HOU
Verlander's 0.85 WHIP is almost unbelievable, as is the fact that he has already struck out 172 batters with 40% of the season to go. While he is firmly entrenched in the top tier, he is still behind Scherzer as the #1 starter in fantasy baseball.
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3.
Jacob deGrom
SP - NYM
deGrom won't finish with the magical sub 2.00 ERA we saw last season but with the way things are going, it should once again end up below 3.00 with well over 220 Ks. The wins, of course, won't be there on the Mets, but even so, he is a clear-cut SP1.
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4.
Gerrit Cole
SP - NYY
Cole reached 200 Ks once again and may very well end up north of 300 by season's end. His ERA won't be quite as low as Scherzer's because of his struggles in preventing homers, but there is little doubt he is a top-tier starter this year.
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5.
Walker Buehler
SP - LAD
Buehler was exceptional in the second half last year then had mighty struggles to begin the 2019 campaign. Fantasy owners can breathe a sigh of relief, however, as he is back to pulverizing hitters like the top five starter he is.
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6.
Aaron Nola
SP - PHI
Nola began the season much like many of the other aces: with horrible ratios and fantasy owners all devastated. He has fixed whatever issues he may have been having, however, and is now roaring back in both ERA and WHIP while striking out everyone in sight.
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7.
Stephen Strasburg
SP - WSH
Strasburg has never put it together for a full season, and while this isn't exactly the best we've seen from him, he may finally finish the season as that top 10 starting pitcher we always imagined him to be with 18 wins, 250 Ks and strong ratios.
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8.
Zack Greinke
SP - HOU
Greinke isn't your prototypical strikeout heavy ace but he is as reliable as they come in the ratios which will, of course, translate to plenty of wins as well. If he is your SP1 on your roster, you should feel pretty good about your team.
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9.
Clayton Kershaw
SP - LAD
Kershaw certainly isn't the same dominant pitcher that everyone was drafting in the first round every year but that by no means implies he is washed up. Rather, he keeps chugging along with a WHIP near 1.00, a sub 3 ERA and nearly a K-per inning. That will do.
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10.
Patrick Corbin
SP - WSH
Corbin has seen his ratios drop a bit from last season's incredible breakout, but he is still going to strikeout 220 batters and don't be surprised if he ends up at 15 wins despite struggling to reach double-digits in the first 4 months.
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11.
Trevor Bauer
SP - CIN
Bauer's season has been a series of major highs and major lows. In all, it has come to a mildly disappointing first half, but somehow still a SP1. It seems now that Cleveland will hang onto him since they are back in the race so perhaps we will get more of the same in the second half.
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12.
Charlie Morton
SP - TB
Morton was about as safe of a late-round starting pitcher steal as you'll ever find.Even so, no one anticipated the year he is having with a 250 K pace to go with incredible ratios and perhaps 16 or 17 wins if he keeps it up in the second half.
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13.
Noah Syndergaard
SP - NYM
Thor may have elite stuff but the strikeout numbers and ERA are definitely not there this season. That can always change with a talent like this, but it is by no means a guarantee, nor are wins when he pitches in front of a lousy Mets' offense.
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14.
Luis Castillo
SP - CIN
Castillo was everyone's favorite breakout candidate and boy has he sure delivered. Through the first half, fantasy owners have received nearly 140 Ks, a sub 2.50 ERA and a WHIP hovering around 1.10. He may very well be a top 10 starting pitcher at the end of the season.
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15.
Aroldis Chapman
RP - NYY
Chapman may not be as dominant as he once was, but he still clearly belongs within the elite tier of fantasy closers. Once again, fantasy owners can expect 100 Ks to go with plenty of saves and solid ratios.
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16.
Jose Berrios
SP - MIN
Berrios may not be the strikeout pitcher we saw when he entered the league with such electric stuff, but he is still getting the job done, and perhaps better than any other point in his career. Fantasy owners have a top 20 starter in Berrios.
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17.
Shane Bieber
SP - CLE
Underlying stats all screamed that Bieber was due for a huge season and anyone who believed it is dancing in the streets right now. It seems to be legitimate too so don't be getting the crazy idea of trying to sell him while his stock is high.
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18.
Jack Flaherty
SP - STL
Flaherty hasn't been anywhere near as strong as he was as a rookie, but even so, 200 Ks appears to be likely and the WHIP is strong once again. If the Cardinals start supporting him at the plate, he may finish with a dozen wins too which isn't bad for a SP3.
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19.
Hyun-Jin Ryu
SP - TOR
As we enter August, Ryu is still rocking a sub 1.00 WHIP and a sub 2.00 ERA. Now, whether he can sustain that is clearly a no, but who would complain if he finishes the year with a 2.50 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 200 Ks? Certainly not the guy who drafted him in the 20th round.
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20.
Mike Clevinger
SP - CLE
Clevinger spent quite a bit of time on the IL but since he has returned, it has been absolute gold. With the way he is going, he may move up from top 20 starting pitchers to top 10 by the end of the season.
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21.
Kenley Jansen
RP - LAD
Jansen has been so good for so long that you might automatically assume him to be the top closer once again in 2019, but last year, he was nowhere close to it. Rather, his ERA plummeted to 3.01 with "just" 82 Ks. You can still grab him among the top tier, but you shouldn't even be considering taking him in the first five or six rounds.
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22.
James Paxton
SP - NYY
As always, Paxton missed some time and it would be no surprise if it happened again in the second half. With that said, he is still striking out loads of batters but will need to fix his ratios if he wants to be considered a top 20 starting pitcher anymore.
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23.
Brad Hand
RP - CLE
Cleveland struck gold in acquiring Brad Hand last year. He has been nothing but magic for them, continuing into this year when he struck out over 60 first half batters and already executed more than 25 saves.
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24.
Kirby Yates
RP - SD
Yates is the latest of a long line of dominant closers for the Padres. He has been the single best fantasy closer through the first half thanks to loads of save opportunities to go with incredible ratios and that is all expected to continue.
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25.
Roberto Osuna
RP - HOU
The change of scenery has proved useful for Osuna, who has done nothing but dominate since the deal to Houston. While he won't strike out 100 like some of the names above him, Osuna is a safe bet for 35 saves and excellent ratios.
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26.
Josh Hader
RP - MIL
Hader has run into a bit of a cold spell in July but that is bound to happen to even the best relievers at one point or another. The fact of the matter is, he is on pace for 140 Ks again to go with 35+ saves and sparkling ratios.
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27.
Madison Bumgarner
SP - ARI
Bumgarner is pitching well again with over a strikeout per inning and a strong WHIP but it could go downhill quick if he is traded to a ballpark like Yankee Stadium. Even if it happens, he would likely still be somewhat useful, just as a SP5 instead of SP3.
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28.
David Price
SP - LAD
Price was so much better just a few years ago that it is easy to think of him as washed up, but he is still accomplishing plenty for fantasy owners, just not at the ace level. Rather, his numbers are more in the SP3 range but he remains reliable.
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29.
Zack Wheeler
SP - PHI
Wheeler was so terrific in the second half last year that it seemed inevitable that he would at least have a solid season, but that hasn't happened yet. He still has the stuff to finish strong but at this point, fantasy owners can't say he is a SP3.
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30.
Edwin Diaz
RP - NYM
Diaz went from hero to zero in a short time. Granted, he still has 59 first half Ks but with an ERA above 5.00, many owners are wondering what they should do with Diaz. Keep him as long as he has the job but hoping for a turnaround may be too much to ask for.
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31.
Craig Kimbrel
RP - CHC
Cubs fans have certainly hoped for more than Kimbrel has given them since the signing, but that should turn around quickly now that his version of Spring Training is officially up. Fantasy owners can expect a second tier closer over the second half.
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32.
Masahiro Tanaka
SP - NYY
It would be one thing if Tanaka's ERA was the only stat taking a hit this season, but perhaps more disappointing has been his K-rate plummeting. He may still have some upside in the second half, but m ore than likely we are looking at a SP5.
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33.
Robbie Ray
SP - ARI
Over the last few year's Ray has been the epitome of a volatile pitcher. This year hasn't been any different, as he still struggles with the home run and as a result, carries an ERA near 4. The strikeouts will still be there, of course, but until he fixes that ERA, he is merely a SP3.
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34.
Sean Doolittle
RP - WSH
Doolittle is no longer a world beater for the Nationals or fantasy owners, but they can't complain about 48 first half Ks, nor the respectable ratios he continues to put up each and every month.
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35.
Blake Snell
SP - TB
Every underlying metric last year was screaming regression and this year it is the very opposite, which should leave fantasy owners to expect somewhere in between during the second half. It it worth putting in an offer in case you can still buy-low.
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36.
Will Smith
RP - ATL
Smith has been lights out for the Giants with 61 first-half Ks and a WHIP below 1.00. So long as he remains the closer, he will be an excellent fantasy option, but it seems likely San Francisco will deal him before long.
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37.
Yu Darvish
SP - CHC
Darvish was so awful to start the season but after the break, he said he was feeling 110% and since then he has been dominant. There is a chance he'll continue the recent success and carry your rotation the rest of the season, but it is by no means the most likely scenario.
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38.
Ken Giles
RP - TOR
The Blue Jays' closer role is not as coveted as some others, but Giles has certainly made the most of it with 57 first half Ks, an ERA below 2.00 and a WHIP south of 1.10. He isn't quite a top tier closer, but is close.
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39.
Kyle Hendricks
SP - CHC
Hendricks still carries an excellent WHIP and the ERA isn't far behind. He will never be a SP1 or even SP2, but fantasy owners can feel safe putting Hendricks on the mound most every start even if the strikeouts won't pile up.
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40.
Matthew Boyd
SP - DET
Boyd has been extraordinary with 160 Ks already and while that is near certain to continue, he could see a further jump if Detroit does end up dealing him to a contender where he can get some wins, and specifically in the NL where his ratios would also benefit.
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41.
Eduardo Rodriguez
SP - BOS
Rodriguez has strong strikeout stuff and is picking up wins with the Red Sox lineup behind him, but neither his ERA nor WHIP are above average. With that combination, we are looking at a fringe SP4/SP3.
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42.
Raisel Iglesias
RP - CIN
Iglesias hasn't racked up as many saves as fantasy owners had hoped for, nor are his ratios what you'd have expected, but he did have 50 first half Ks and is a strong bet to bounceback in the second half.
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43.
Cole Hamels
SP - ATL
Hamels isn't the same pitcher he once was, but the ratios are still running strong and with that, we can expect the wins to bounceback in the second half. He won't strike out 200 batters, but fantasy owners have gotten more than they asked for when they drafted him in the middle of drafts this Spring.
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44.
Kenta Maeda
SP,RP - MIN
Maeda carries an incredible WHIP but the ERA isn't exactly there so far. He'll get some wins and is racking up a strikeout per inning, but until that ERA comes down, he will remain outside the top 25 fantasy starters.
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45.
German Marquez
SP - COL
Marquez has been downright dreadful at home this year but is once again solid on the road. You can continue to use him in half his starts while we wait out that top 20 potential and see if it returns.
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46.
Sonny Gray
SP - CIN
Sonny Gray was a disaster the last few years in New York but has reinvented himself with the Reds and made the All-Star team as a result. It doesn't appear to be a fluke either, as all the underlying data supports his resurgence into the fantasy scene.
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47.
Mike Soroka
SP - ATL
Soroka was blazing for a while and has come back down to earth a little. It should continue to be a slide over the second half as his batted ball data catches up to his stats but he is still without a doubt a top 40 starting pitcher at this point.
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48.
Jose Quintana
SP - CHC
Quintana may be a bigger name, but he isn't producing strikeouts nor strong ratios so, until one or several of those turnaround, there isn't much sense in owning him.
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49.
Caleb Smith
SP - MIA
Smith may be the most exciting of several excellent young Marlins pitchers. Granted, he won't get to even a dozen wins but 200 Ks is a distinct possibility since he has regained his excellent strikeout numbers from prior to his injury that ended the 2018 season.
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50.
Miles Mikolas
SP - STL
Mikolas was strong last year but it hasn't exactly carried over this year. The ratios aren't bad, especially his WHIP but without Ks being there, he might not be worthy of a fantasy roster spot.
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51.
Jose Leclerc
SP,RP - TEX
It seemed like only a matter of time before the Rangers would turn back to Leclerc who has been excellent since removed from the closer role. It may happen due to performance or perhaps if Kelley's MRI doesn't show up as they'd hope. When it does, Leclerc may be a top 10 closer.
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52.
Jon Lester
SP - CHC
Lester was excellent in 2018 and started the 2019 season on fire, As the underlying metrics all suggested, the crash downward was inevitable and here we are with his ERA flirting with 4.00 and his WHIP at 1.35. He is still useful, no doubt, but as a SP5 instead of a SP2.
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53.
Mike Minor
SP - TEX
You may not feel great about Minor repeating his first half and you shouldn't, but even with extreme regression, he would still be well worth owning. Don't be surprised when he finishes with 200 Ks and an ERA below 3.5.
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54.
Alex Colome
RP - CWS
Colome again has strong ratios with a WHIP now sitting at 0.80 but his 30 Ks through 39 first half innings is certainly nothing to write home about. Fantasy owners have a good one for sure, but he isn't in the elite conversation.
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55.
Joey Lucchesi
SP - SD
Lucchesi is by no means a must-own, but he has been getting the job done with nearly a strikeout per inning to go with a strong WHIP. You can get by with him as your SP5, or preferably as a streamer.
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56.
Liam Hendriks
RP - OAK
As incredible as Hendricks has been with his 1.15 ERA and 1.01 WHIP to go with 69 Ks in 55 innings, he happens to share a roster with Blake Treinen, who may not be as great this season, but was the best closer in baseball last year. You can use Hendricks without a doubt, but know saves aren't going to be a big part of the equation.
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57.
Joe Musgrove
SP - PIT
Musgrove has excellent stuff and could explode in the second half but fantasy owners definitely shouldn't rely on that. Rather, he is primarily a streaming starter that you use in strong matchups at home.
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58.
Hector Neris
RP - PHI
Neris has had a rough month for the Phillies but he is still closing games and overall, has a solid first half line with over 50 Ks and a WHIP south of 1.20. He should be rostered in every league.
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59.
Carlos Martinez
SP,RP - STL
Martinez has performed well as the Cardinals closer and if that were expected to continue, he'd be a lock for the top 15 relievers, but it seems as though they might dangle him at the deadline and who knows what his role would be in a new situation.
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60.
Dallas Keuchel
SP - CWS
As always, Keuchel isn't striking anyone out but he is pitching deep into games and picking up wins with solid but unspectacular ratios. He is a solid SP5 in fantasy leagues.
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61.
Carlos Carrasco
SP,RP - CLE
We haven't heard whether Carrasco will return this season, and while he would likely be a useful fantasy asset if he did, it doesn't make sense to hold out hope and hang onto him if you need to clear up a roster spot somewhere.
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62.
Lance Lynn
SP - TEX
Lynn may struggle to keep his ERA below 4.00 in that ballpark but with 240 Ks and 17 wins by year's end, fantasy owners will have no trouble looking past the ERA issue. Lynn is solidly a top 30 fantasy starter from this point forward.
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63.
Jake Odorizzi
SP - MIN
As great as Odorizzi has been, his HR/FB rate is unsustainable so that ERA should slowly creep back toward his career average. There is no doubt he has improved, however, just probably not all the way to a SP2 like we've seen so far this season.
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64.
Kyle Gibson
SP,RP - TEX
Gibson is not especially impressive in any of the five primary categories but he is solid in each of them so he makes for a solid 5th or even 4th starting pitcher.
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65.
Shane Greene
RP - ATL
Greene is this year's version of Blake Treinen, posting absurd ratios while executing every save in sight. It may not keep up at quite this rate, but you can be sure he'll fall into the top 10 closers through the first half.
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66.
Marcus Stroman
SP - NYM
Once again, Stroman is pitching deep into games but without many strikeouts. The big difference, however, has been a vast improvement in his ratios and that may further improve if he gets dealt to a better ballpark and perhaps an NL team.
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67.
Wade Davis
RP - COL
Davis has had ups and downs in his career but it has never been as rough as this year's 6 ERA and 1.70 WHIP. Assuming this continues, he may soon be replaced by Scott Oberg as the closer.
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68.
J.A. Happ
SP - NYY
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69.
Andrew Heaney
SP - LAA
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70.
Max Fried
SP,RP - ATL
Fried entered the second half on the IL but when he returns, fantasy owners have a solid fifth starting pitcher who will pick up wins, strike out a handful of batters most start and won't kill your ratios at all.
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71.
Taylor Rogers
RP - MIN
The Twins entered the season with a three-headed-monster at the back end of their bullpen and it was Rogers who emerged as the clear closer thanks to 57 first half Ks to go with a sub 2 ERA and sub 1 WHIP.
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72.
Wade Miley
SP - CIN
It may feel odd rostering someone like Wade Miley over a big name like Mad-Bum or Chris Archer, but with the way he has pitched, Miley needs to be owned and used everywhere. His ERA may end up south of 3.00 by the end of the season and his WHIP is great too.
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73.
Hansel Robles
RP - LAA
Robles has been an excellent reliever for the surprise Angels, entering the second half with 46 Ks, a 2.56 ERA and a WHIP below 1.10. While that may not quite keep up, he is a strong bet to help fantasy owners in the second half.
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74.
Luis Severino
SP - NYY
Severino likely won't be back until late August or early September as there is no need for the Yankees to rush him back. Although you will only get a few weeks of production, he will still be worth hanging onto as we are likely talking about a top 20 starting pitcher once he is activated.
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75.
Brandon Woodruff
SP,RP - MIL
Woodruff has been insane, striking out 133 first half batters to go with a 1.13 WHIP. You can look past that 3.53 ERA as the underlying metrics suggest it will come down in the second half, giving fantasy owners a total stud.
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76.
Brandon Workman
RP - BOS
Workman has been terrific with 60 first-half Ks and incredible ratios. If you could add 20 saves to that, he would be elite, the Red Sox are insistent on keeping him in his current role while making Eovaldi the closer.
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77.
Emilio Pagan
RP - SD
With Alvarado and Castillo both ahead of Pagan to begin the season, it seemed unlikely he would become a dominant closer, but here we are with him entering the second half with a sub 0.90 WHIP and 54 Ks in just 39 innings. He is the real deal.
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78.
Zac Gallen
SP - ARI
Since his promotion, Gallen has merely been mediocre for fantasy owners, but he was so sensational in the minor leagues that you'd have to expect his MLB numbers to improve a bit over a larger sample size. Don't give up on him if he has another bad week or two,
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79.
Ross Stripling
SP,RP - LAD
While not as terrific as last year, Stripling hasn't disappointed by any measure other than the fact that the Dodgers' insane rotational depth hasn't allowed for enough innings. While he starts, however, Stripling is well worth owning.
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80.
Yusei Kikuchi
SP - SEA
Kikuchi's numbers from Japan translate to an MLB pitcher similar to Zack Wheeler last year, and like Wheeler, Kikuchi's arm could potentially blossom into much more to fantasy owners. He is by no means similar to Ohtani or Darvish before him, but 370 Ks and a 2.45 ERA in his last two seasons is nothing to sneeze at.
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81.
Steven Matz
SP - NYM
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82.
Rich Hill
SP - MIN
With so many players on the IL, it might not make sense to hold onto Hill who doesn't even have a timetable for return quite yet. He is always excellent when he pitches, however, so if he does return, scramble to scoop him back up.
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83.
Mychal Givens
RP - BAL
While technically the closer, Givens hasn't had enough save opportunities to warrant putting up with his lackluster ratios. That may change in the second half but for now, you'd be better off rostering a setup man like Brandon Workman.
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84.
Ian Kennedy
SP,RP - KC
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85.
Greg Holland
RP - KC
Holland had some struggles early on in St. Louis last year but has since then been lights out. He carries a 3.09 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP into the second half, and while be will never approach 100 Ks, he still strikes out 10 batters per nine.
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86.
Nathan Eovaldi
SP,RP - BOS
The Red Sox have made it clear that Eovaldi is who they expect to fix their bullpen issues. Whether or not it lasts is anyone's guess, but for the time being, he is the man getting saves for this playoff contender so he needs to be owned.
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87.
Archie Bradley
RP - ARI
Bradley isn't a 90 strikeout guy, nor should we expect an ERA south of 2.00, but he is the heavy favorite to get saves in Arizona, which certainly counts for something. Granted, they won't win 80 games, but even 35 saves is plenty to warrant a late-round pick.
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88.
Marco Gonzales
SP - SEA
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89.
Rick Porcello
SP - NYM
Porcello may have won a Cy Young but at this point in his career, there is no sense in even streaming him, let alone rostering him.
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90.
Matt Barnes
RP - BOS
Barnes is no longer the closer with Eovaldi back off the IL, and his ratios won't be ideal, but fantasy owners can bet on another 50+ second half Ks while rostering him as a fallback saves option should Eovaldi hit the IL again.
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91.
Tyler Glasnow
SP,RP - TB
The Rays were already taking their time with Glasnow then he had a setback so his return is still up in the air. It could happen in August, or perhaps he will be shut down for the season. You can't drop him yet just in case, however, as he would deliver top 15 SP numbers the moment he returns.
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92.
Jeff Samardzija
SP - SF
Pitching in San Francisco certainly helps any starter, and while you might not want to use Samardzija on the road, he can be relied on for strong ratios and some Ks in half his starts.
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93.
Mark Melancon
RP - ATL
Will Smith is the closer for now in San Francisco but he hasn't been all that durable, plus he may be on the trade market before long as a coveted lefty setup man. Don't sleep on Melancon getting saves again within a few months.
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94.
Nick Pivetta
SP,RP - PHI
Pivetta flashed a few good starts after he was called back up but then plummeted in value again and was sent to the bullpen. He is worth keeping an eye on, however, in case anything changes.
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95.
Luke Jackson
RP - ATL
Jackson is on pace for well over 100 Ks this season and while his WHIP isn't great, he is racking up saves for a playoff contender and has virtually no competition for the job so fantasy owners can continue to rely on him.
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96.
Mike Fiers
SP - OAK
Fiers is getting the job done this season with a 1.12 WHIP and an ERA well below 4.00. With that has come plenty of wins, but there aren't enough strikeouts to put him in the top 50 fantasy starters.
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97.
Yonny Chirinos
SP,RP - TB
Chirinos may not have the most impressive underlying metrics, but he just keeps getting it done from a ratio standpoint and as expected, the wins have followed. Don't expect 200 Ks or anywhere close, but he is a plenty useful piece for your rotation.
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98.
Andrew Miller
RP - STL
Carlos Martinez is now filling in for Jordan Hicks, but there are rumors that St. Louis is shopping him. If that were to happen, they may go with Gant or perhaps the lefty, Miller, who is back to cruising for the Cardinals.
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99.
Cody Allen
RP - TEX
It seemed as though Ty Buttrey, Bedrosian and Anderson were going to compete for saves in LA, but then they signed Allen who figures to get the job. Don't be surprised if he losses the gig early, however, if he struggles like we saw last season. Don't consider him a lock for 25 saves again.
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100.
Pedro Strop
RP - CIN
Brandon Morrow is technically the Cubs' closer, but it seems as though he will miss at least a month to open the season. Strop was named the replacement but hasn't been great thus far so let's see if he can straighten himself out before Morrow tries to take the job back.
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101.
Dinelson Lamet
SP - SD
Lamet has allowed plenty of runs in his first three starts, but is striking out plenty of hitters and clearly has the upside that warrants owning him as a project who could explode in the second half.
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102.
Ryan Pressly
RP - HOU
Pressly is one of the best relievers in baseball, but unfortunately that doesn't add up to enough fantasy production to reach the top 20, as saves are crucial. Still, should anything happen to Osuna, he would become an immediate top 5 closer.
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103.
Brad Peacock
SP,RP - HOU
When Peacock returns to health, he is expected to be tossed back into the rotation even with rumors that Houston may acquire another arm. As long as Peacock continues starting, he will prove well worth a fantasy roster spot.
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104.
Mike Foltynewicz
SP - ATL
Foltynewicz was tremendous last year but has been so bad once he returned from the IL that he is now in the minors and struggling there. Keep an eye on him, but it is probably a lost cause at this point.
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105.
Pablo Lopez
SP - MIA
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106.
Alex Wood
SP - LAD
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107.
Kevin Gausman
SP,RP - SF
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108.
Joe Jimenez
RP - DET
Most depth charts have Shane Greene slotted into the closer role for Detroit but this job is up in the air. Jimenez was an all-star last season, and while he pitched poorly down the stretch, don't sleep on him winning the job this spring.
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109.
Kyle Freeland
SP - COL
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110.
Anibal Sanchez
SP - WSH
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111.
Sergio Romo
RP - MIN
Although he isn't the most exciting closer, Romo does, in fact, get the save opportunities for his team and isn't exactly struggling in the ratios. He won't strikeout even 60 batters this season but you can't find better on waivers.
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112.
Brendan McKay
SP - TB
McKay has started out by pitching great in his first few appearances. While he might not exactly be an ace the rest of the season, he is certainly one rookie you can rely on over the second half, perhaps as a SP3.
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113.
Adam Ottavino
RP - NYY
As expected, Ottavino has been sensational outside of Coors Field. Even with Yankee Stadium being a hitter's haven, Ottavino carries a sub-two ERA with 61 Ks in 43 innings. Don't expect saves in this crowded pen though.
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114.
Julio Teheran
SP - LAA
Teheran is chugging along once again for the Braves with an ERA below 4.00 and a WHIP below 1.30. He won't strike out a batter per inning and doesn't have many wins yet but with the strong ratios, he is worth owning as a depth piece.
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115.
Reynaldo Lopez
SP - CWS
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116.
Luke Weaver
SP - ARI
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117.
Blake Parker
RP - PHI
After Parker signed with the Twins, many assumed he will be the closer, but it seems as though Trevor May is the favorite. In fact, Parker is likely the third-best reliever in this bullpen behind May and Rogers so beware on draft day.
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118.
Trevor Williams
SP - PIT
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119.
Diego Castillo
SP,RP - TB
If you play in a deeper league, Castillo can be a ratio master that racks up plenty of saves, or better yet, if you employ the Marmol Strategy, Castillo qualifies as a starting pitcher so you can plug him on days where you don't have enough starters going.
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120.
Roenis Elias
RP - WSH
Elias is having a rough go with an ERA north of 5, but he is the closer for Seattle and should get another 15 to even 25 save opportunities over the second half. That may be reason enough to put up with the lousy ratios.
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121.
Trevor May
RP - MIN
May did not win the closer job in Minnesota. While he may get a few saves here and there, Rocco Baldelli is employing a true closer by committee approach. May can be used as a Josh Hader-lite, but otherwise is droppable.
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122.
Julio Urias
SP,RP - LAD
When on the mound, Urias is about as good as it gets for a youngster with an ERA sitting at 2.25 and a WHIP below 1.00. The issue, of course, is that he only throws a handful of innings at most in a given week. There is still use for that, but not much more than someone like Ryan Pressley.
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123.
Alex Reyes
SP,RP - STL
Reyes suffered yet another injury in the minor leagues and was struggling with his command anyways. If he gets healthy and straightens out his stuff, he could be deadly by September in the bigs.
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124.
Josh James
SP,RP - HOU
James missed out on the rotation thanks to a Spring Training injury then proceeded to struggle in the bullpen, but he has been electric of late and may end up in the rotation after all in the coming weeks so keep a close eye on him.
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125.
Sean Newcomb
SP,RP - ATL
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126.
Jordan Yamamoto
SP - MIA
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127.
Zack Godley
SP,RP - DET
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128.
Tyler Mahle
SP - CIN
Mahle is now on the IL and you may not love his 4.93 ERA, but the 106 Ks and terrific underlying metrics make him well worth paying attention to once he returns.
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129.
Hunter Strickland
RP - WSH
Strickland opened the year as the Mariners' closer but is now on the 60 day DL and isn't even guaranteed the job when or if he returns. There is no need to waste an IL spot on him for your fantasy roster.
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130.
Freddy Peralta
SP,RP - MIL
There is no doubt that Peralta has been a disappointment but has still been piling up strikeouts and has been good enough out of the pen the last month that there may be some hope remaining that he ends up back in the rotation before long.
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131.
Jeremy Jeffress
RP - CHC
Josh Hader is the current closer in Milwaukee with Knebel out for the season but once Jeffress returns from the IL, that may quickly change. Jeffress is only owned in about 20% of leagues and should be among the top pickups with this potential outcome on the horizon.
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132.
Brad Boxberger
RP - MIA
Boxberger is expected to hold off Peralta for the Royals' closer job, and while it may not be the most envied role, he should still be able to compile 20 to 25 saves if he can hang onto the job. His ratios won't be ideal, but he does offer some K-upside as we've seen before.
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133.
Ryan Brasier
RP - BOS
There was speculation that Brasier might take the Red Sox open closer role, but he was passed over for Matt Barnes. While there is a chance that doesn't last all season, you can safely drop Braiser for now.
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134.
Zack Britton
RP - NYY
Not only is Aroldis Chapman ahead of Britton in New York, but they also have Betances and Chad Green roaming around the pen. Chances are that Britton would get the first crack at saves if Aroldis went down, but it's no guarantee.
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135.
Matt Strahm
SP,RP - SD
Strahm has shown enough promise that we can keep an eye on him in the second half, but more likely than not, he will only be an occasional streamer in home games against easy opponents.
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136.
Spencer Turnbull
SP - DET
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137.
Sandy Alcantara
SP - MIA
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138.
Dylan Bundy
SP - LAA
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139.
Shawn Kelley
RP - FA
Kelley is technically the closer for Texas and hasn't done all that bad, but with Jose Leclerc right behind him, there is no guarantee Kelley will have the job next week, let alone for the rest of the season.
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140.
Seth Lugo
RP - NYM
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141.
Dylan Cease
SP - CWS
Cease has struggled in his first few starts since being promoted but he definitely has fantasy-relevant stuff and even if you don't want to own him now, keep him on waiver wire speed-dial.
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142.
Jimmy Nelson
SP,RP - LAD
Nelson was top five in xFIP prior to his injury that has taken much longer to recover from than expected. There is a chance he will return in May, but even if he does, it doesn't necessarily mean he will return to form right away or even ever.
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143.
Ty Buttrey
RP - LAA
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144.
Merrill Kelly
SP - ARI
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|
145.
Michael Wacha
SP,RP - NYM
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|
146.
Yoshihisa Hirano
RP - SEA
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|
147.
Zach Eflin
SP - PHI
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148.
Chris Martin
RP - ATL
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|
149.
Seranthony Dominguez
RP - PHI
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|
150.
Jalen Beeks
SP,RP - TB
Beeks isn't technically a starting pitcher, but he is racking up the innings and has plenty of Ks to go along with it. More importantly, his ratios are stellar and he'll pick up some wins to go with it all.
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151.
Nick Anderson
RP - TB
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|
152.
Jakob Junis
SP - KC
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153.
Jhoulys Chacin
SP - MIN
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|
154.
Trevor Richards
SP,RP - TB
Richards carried a 4.42 ERA with 4 wins last year and formerly played independent baseball after going undrafted. It helps, however, that he has the best changeup in baseball. Richards' changeup is Trevor Hoffman-esque. It carried a 41.2% whiff rate with a .214 xWOBA. It certainly helped his performance when he adjusted by throwing it 38% of the time instead of 23% of the time at the start of the season. In those closing months, hitters were so focused on his filthy change-up that his slider suddenly became even more deadly than the changeup. With two of the most useful pitches in baseball, Richards could breakout this year in Miami much like Jake Peavy did in in 2004 after a rough start to his career.
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155.
Tanner Roark
SP - TOR
Roark may not have the best stuff in the world but he has managed to strike out 100 batters already in just 102 innings to go with solid ratios. It may not feel great, but you can use him in most starts.
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156.
Martin Perez
SP - BOS
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|
157.
Michael Lorenzen
CF,RP - CIN
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|
158.
Derek Holland
SP,RP - PIT
|
|
159.
Chase Anderson
SP,RP - TOR
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160.
Wily Peralta
RP - KC
|
|
161.
Forrest Whitley
SP - HOU
Whitley was the top pitching prospect going into the season but has been terrible thus far in the minors. If that turns around, he may end up useful in MLB by the end of the season.
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162.
Kelvin Herrera
RP - CWS
Herrera was presumably signed to close for the White Sox, but they also added Alex Colome who has closing experience. This one is too close to call for now so you may want to add both in a late round just to make sure you get some saves.
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163.
Vince Velasquez
SP,RP - PHI
Velasquez is back in the rotation, and while many games will be a total trainwreck, he does have some strikeout upside and posts solid streaming performances every so often.
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164.
Giovanny Gallegos
RP - STL
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165.
John Means
SP - BAL
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|
166.
John Gant
SP,RP - STL
Gant has been nothing but sensational for the Cardinals this year. He won't strike everyone out, but he is racking up wins while improving fantasy team ratios and may even have an outside chance at saves if Carlos Martinez is dealt.
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167.
Ryan Yarbrough
SP,RP - TB
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168.
Eric Lauer
SP - MIL
Lauer has had some dreadful outings in Coors this year, but other than that, he has consistently been producing strong performances. You can use him in the vast majority of his starts as a SP5.
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169.
Jesus Luzardo
SP,RP - OAK
Luzardo is back on the IL for the A's and it now seems likely that he won't throw a ball again this season. If the A's decide to be aggressive, however, Luzardo has the stuff to surge onto the scene in September.
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170.
Dakota Hudson
SP,RP - STL
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171.
Zach Davies
SP - SD
Davies still has an ERA below 3.00, but his WHIP is not all that impressive and he strikes out fewer hitters than just about every pitcher in the league so while he isn't the worst use of a roster spot, his upside is limited.
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172.
Jerad Eickhoff
SP - SD
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|
173.
Anthony DeSclafani
SP - CIN
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|
174.
Anthony Swarzak
RP - PHI
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|
175.
Sean Manaea
SP - OAK
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|
176.
Nick Margevicius
SP,RP - SEA
|
|
177.
Jordan Lyles
SP,RP - TEX
|
|
178.
Colin Poche
RP - TB
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|
179.
Asher Wojciechowski
SP - BAL
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|
180.
Danny Duffy
SP - KC
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|
181.
Mike Montgomery
SP,RP - KC
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|
182.
Andrew Cashner
SP,RP - FA
Cashner was impressive enough in Baltimore that the Red Sox went out and acquired him, and while he hasn't been useful for them yet, he is good enough that you can consider him as a streamer here and there.
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183.
Cal Quantrill
SP,RP - SD
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184.
Corbin Burnes
SP,RP - MIL
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185.
Mitch Keller
SP - PIT
Keller came up for three starts late in the Spring and wasn't all that useful to fantasy owners, but he is one of the top pitching prospects remaining in the minors so pay attention in case he called up.
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186.
Shawn Armstrong
RP - BAL
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|
187.
Anthony Bass
RP - TOR
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188.
Kyle Wright
SP - ATL
Wright was dreadful in his debut earlier in the season then was beat up again in his return. He may not get another chance, but if he does, don't give up on him as there is still plenty of upside.
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189.
Adam Conley
RP - MIA
|
|
190.
CC Sabathia
SP - FA
|
|
191.
Chris Bassitt
SP - OAK
|
|
192.
Yoan Lopez
RP - ARI
|
|
193.
Jose Urquidy
SP,RP - HOU
|
|
|
194.
Bryse Wilson
SP - ATL
|
|
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195.
Zach Plesac
SP - CLE
|
|
196.
Steve Cishek
RP - CWS
|
|
197.
Jeurys Familia
RP - NYM
The Mets added the best closer in baseball this off-season so Familia takes a step back, but if anything happens to Diaz, Familia is the clear closer-in-waiting and would be top 20 at the position right away.
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198.
Trevor Rosenthal
RP - KC
|
|
199.
Matt Magill
RP - SEA
|
|
200.
Paul Fry
RP - BAL
|
|
201.
Johnny Cueto
SP - SF
|
|
202.
Amir Garrett
RP - CIN
|
|
203.
Jonathan Loaisiga
SP,RP - NYY
|
|
204.
Trevor Cahill
SP,RP - SF
|
|
205.
Matt Harvey
SP - FA
|
|
206.
Tommy Kahnle
RP - NYY
|
|
207.
Gio Gonzalez
SP - CWS
|
|
208.
Jason Vargas
SP - FA
|
|
209.
A.J. Ramos
RP - FA
|
|
210.
Dereck Rodriguez
SP,RP - SF
|
|
211.
Derek Law
SP,RP - TEX
|
|
|
212.
Touki Toussaint
SP,RP - ATL
|
|
213.
Chad Green
SP,RP - NYY
Green wasn't as electric in 2018 as the year before, but he still registered 94 strikeouts with excellent ratios and 8 wins. He isn't the closer, nor does he have a path to saves, but you can certainly make a case for drafting him even in standard sized leagues.
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|
214.
Taijuan Walker
SP - SEA
|
|
215.
Joe Kelly
RP - LAD
|
|
216.
Homer Bailey
SP - MIN
|
|
217.
Jose Urena
SP,RP - MIA
|
|
218.
Jaime Barria
SP,RP - LAA
|
|
219.
Carl Edwards Jr.
RP - SEA
It seems as though Pedro Strop will be the closer to open the season and eventually Brandon Morrow will get the job back. There is a chance Edwards slips in as the closer, however, but he has plenty of upside regardless of saves.
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220.
Jairo Diaz
RP - COL
|
|
221.
Ivan Nova
SP - DET
|
|
222.
Elieser Hernandez
SP,RP - MIA
|
|
223.
A.J. Puk
SP,RP - OAK
After a year on the IL, Puk is back to pitching and while the results haven't been pretty, he still has great stuff and could be dangerous as a fantasy asset once the A's call him up in September.
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224.
Framber Valdez
SP,RP - HOU
|
|
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225.
Dustin May
SP,RP - LAD
|
|
226.
Jeremy Hellickson
SP - FA
|
|
227.
Yusmeiro Petit
RP - OAK
|
|
228.
Nick Wittgren
RP - CLE
|
|
229.
Joe Ross
SP,RP - WSH
|
|
230.
Clay Buchholz
SP - FA
|
|
231.
Drew Smyly
SP - SF
|
|
232.
Nick Kingham
SP - TOR
|
|
233.
Craig Stammen
RP - SD
|
|
234.
Jose Suarez
SP - LAA
|
|
235.
Joakim Soria
RP - OAK
|
|
236.
Daniel Hudson
RP - WSH
|
|
237.
Tommy Milone
SP,RP - FA
|
|
238.
Brandon Kintzler
RP - MIA
|
|
239.
Edinson Volquez
SP,RP - TEX
|
|
240.
Adam Wainwright
SP - STL
Wainwright has posted enough solid games, particularly at home that he can be used in several streaming matchups the rest of the season.
|
|
241.
Aaron Bummer
RP - CWS
|
|
242.
Jon Duplantier
SP,RP - ARI
|
|
243.
Tyler Beede
SP,RP - SF
|
|
244.
Drew Pomeranz
SP,RP - SD
|
|
245.
Luke Gregerson
RP - STL
|
|
246.
Cam Bedrosian
SP,RP - LAA
|
|
247.
Corbin Martin
SP - ARI
|
|
248.
Keone Kela
RP - PIT
Vasquez is the closer in Pittsburgh for now, but Kela has immense upside if he slips up or is injured so be sure to keep him on waiver wire speed dial.
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|
249.
Justus Sheffield
SP - SEA
|
|
250.
Brad Brach
RP - NYM
|
|
251.
Fernando Rodney
RP - FA
|
|
252.
Alex Claudio
RP - MIL
|
|
253.
Daniel Mengden
SP - OAK
|
|
254.
Jarlin Garcia
RP - SF
|
|
255.
Tyson Ross
SP - SF
|
|
256.
Wade LeBlanc
SP,RP - BAL
|
|
257.
Luis Cessa
RP - NYY
|
|
258.
Brent Honeywell Jr.
SP - TB
|
|
259.
John Brebbia
RP - STL
|
|
|
260.
Tony Gonsolin
SP,RP - LAD
|
|
261.
Mike Leake
SP - ARI
|
|
262.
Logan Allen
SP,RP - CLE
|
|
263.
Tyler Chatwood
SP,RP - CHC
|
|
264.
Daniel Ponce de Leon
SP,RP - STL
It seems as though the Cardinals have made up their mind about keeping Ponce de Leon in the rotation. He won't strike out many hitters, but perhaps he can win a few games while not hurting your ratios. Don't sleep on him being dealt for a pitcher like Stroman, however.
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