2019 Fantasy Baseball ROS Rankings

Diaz's numbers look fantastic, but his velocity has been down in May. It's not a huge red flag yet -- he's still an elite fantasy closer -- but is worth keeping an eye on.

Aroldis Chapman has been his typical dominant self again this year and has earned plenty of job security despite the host of other strong relievers in the Bronx.

For the second year in a row, Jansen has had some issues with the long ball, but his strikeout-to-walk ratio remains excellent. He should be just fine.

Treinen's strikeout rate is down considerably from last season, and he is walking nearly five batters per nine innings, which is not a recipe for sustained success. It's most likely just a matter of small sample size, but he'll need to do a better job of limiting walks to again be an elite fantasy closer.

Osuna is striking out less than a batter per inning and his batted ball results indicate that he's due for some regression, but that's inevitable when your ERA sits well below 1.00. He's an elite fantasy closer no matter how you slice it.

Hader has dominant stuff and a proven ability to succeed in the ninth inning, but he will reportedly have to share the closer job with Jeremy Jeffress in the near future.

Yates emerged as one of the best fantasy closers out there last season, and he's picked up right where he left off in 2019.

Hand has been even better in Cleveland than he was in San Diego. He's forced his way into the top-five closer conversation.

Vazquez is well on his way to a third-straight year as a dominant closer in Pittsburgh.

Doolittle is a terrific fantasy closer. The only question is his durability.

Hicks has emerged as one of the better fantasy closers in baseball this year, and while his high walk rate is a little worrisome, he's likely earned quite a bit of job security at this point.

Giles has had a major career resurgence north of the border and looks to be a top-15 fantasy closer going forward.

Iglesias got off to a rocky start this year, but he's been much better lately. He's one of the most bankable fantasy closers year and year.

Davis has been having a lot of success in Colorado, but he'll need to get his walk rate under control in order to avoid eventual disaster in hitter-friendly Coors Field.

Smith is one of the most underrated fantasy closers in the league. The only question is whether he ends up getting dealt into a set-up role elsewhere.

Greene is having easily the best season of his career, and while he's due for some regression in terms of both saves and ERA, he suddenly looks fully capable of remaining an above-average fantasy closer all season.

Holland has had a nice bounceback season after finishing 2018 strong, but he will need to get his bloated walk rate under control to avoid falling apart at some point.

Colome is having a very strong season as the White Sox closer, but a trade to a contender is a threat to his season-long fantasy viability.

Alvarado initially appeared on the verge of becoming this year's Blake Treinen, dominating out of the gate with 16 strikeouts and four saves in 10 scoreless outings. The early monopoly on Tampa Bay's closing gig has proven a mirage, as he has not recorded a save since April 7. Diego Castillo and Emilio Pagan, meanwhile, have each tallied three. The lefty is still bringing an elite ERA and K rate to the table, but the walks and uncertain role will block him from blossoming into a top-10 fantasy reliever.

Early in the season, it appeared Gabe Kapler was going to play the ninth inning by ear. While Neris has recorded just seven saves as of May 19, that's only because the Phillies have either won big or lost. This is no longer a committee, and Neris has notched a 1.86 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 19.1 innings. It's time to treat like him a top-20 fantasy closer.

Although everyone wanted Trevor May to close for Minnesota, the honor has instead gone to Parker. He has recorded three save chances, the Twins yanked him in a bases-loaded jam before he could finish (or blow) his fourth opportunity. With more walks (five) than strikeouts (four) through 5.1 innings, he could soon abdicate the closer distinction to May or Trevor Hildenberger, with Taylor Rogers also getting some chances when lefties bat in the ninth.

Most expected Matt Barnes to serve as Boston's closer, but Brasier has picked up a team-leading six saves. One of last year's most improbable comeback stories has now allowed 12 runs over 50.2 total outings since joining the Red Sox. While Barnes is still the superior pitcher with a much higher strikeout ceiling, opportunity will likely make Brasier a usable if he keeps getting the chances. Just beware a 4.26 FIP and some recent rough outings that could lead to a role demotion.

Barnes is being deployed in a flexible role by Red Sox manager Alex Cora, but he is pitching so well that he can have quite a bit of fantasy value even if he never becomes Boston's exclusive closer.

Leclerc, who went all of August and September without yielding a run last year, already allowed as many in April (10) as all of 2018. Saddled with a 2.16 WHIP, higher than last year's 1.56 ERA, the Rangers are removing him from the ninth-inning role. He showed top-tier upside last year, but the righty has already done too much damage to everyone's ratios to keep around without save opportunities.

German has quickly emerged as the Yankees' best starting pitcher, and while he has been a tad fortunate in terms of batted ball outcomes, he should be able to remain a significant fantasy asset for the rest of 2019 and beyond.

It's May, and Kimbrel is still a free agent. It's time to worry, especially since his agent threatened to have his client sit out 2019 entirely. Even if he soon finds a club, the star closer will need a few weeks to ramp up after missing spring training. The Brewers stand out as a logical candidate after losing Corey Knebel for the season, and a reunion with the Braves also makes sense. Keep stashing him, but consider cashing out if someone is willing to "buy low" for 75 cents on the dollar. There's now a good chance he won't sign until teams no longer need to forfeit draft-pick compensation.

Glasnow was in the midst of a massive breakout season before he hit the injured list with a forearm strain. His future is still incredibly bright but his outlook for the rest of 2019 is cloudy until we see him back on a mound.

Robles appears to be the Angels' closer …. for now. While gamers can't ignore someone compiling saves with a 29.0% K rate, his long ball woes will lead to catastrophe. He already has a 3.79 ERA despite a 7.7% HR/FB rate well below his 11.8% career norm, so don't be shocked if a couple of blow-up outings cost him the job.

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.

Given a clear path to saves with Brandon Morrow on the shelf, Strop went on the IL with a hamstring injury. Bothered by the issue, he had posted a 5.06 ERA following a three-run flare-up against the Marlins. There's no timetable for his return, and he's not guaranteed to return to the closer's role. Steve Cishek will likely lead a committee in Strop's absence.

 

Although Baltimore may only win 50 games, Givens is one of the closers who has no competition for saves on his team. Even 25 save opportunities is better than what someone like Josh Hader or Zach Britton will get. Pair that with another 80 strikeouts and respectable ratios and we are looking at a top 30 fantasy reliever.

Jeffress, who started the season sidelined with a shoulder injury, is making his return from the IL. While Josh Hader has dominated as Milwaukee's final boss, the Brewers may want to slide him back into a more flexible high-leverage role. That could mean save chances for Jeffress as Corey Knebel recovers from Tommy John surgery. He won't replicate last year's 1.29 ERA, but grab Jeffress now in hopes of getting some saves with above-average ratios.

The Angels have removed Allen from the closer's role after relinquishing seven walks and five runs in 8.1 innings. His gopheritis has carried over from 2018, allowing three homers in 10 outings. There's no reason to roster him unless the save opportunities return.

Pressly may not be Houston's closer, but he's still an elite middle reliever worth rostering for strikeouts and ratios. He has yet to allow a run or walk all season, stockpiling nine strikeouts with just three hits. The 30-year-old wields three superb pitches (fastball, slider, and curveball) that generate helpings of whiffs and ground balls. He could be this year's version of Adam Ottavino, only better.

Peacock has had some ups and downs this season, but he's been more good than bad. He should remain a solid mixed league starter for however long he holds down a rotation spot in Houston.

Woodruff has emerged from the pack as the young Brewers pitcher to own in fantasy leagues. He generates a lot of strikeouts and his peripherals fully back up his mid-3.00s ERA.

Strahm has done a great job avoiding walks and home runs thus far, but it would be nice to see him starting striking out more batters. Otherwise his ERA could be due for quite a bit of regression.

 

With Arodys Vizcaino out for the season and A.J. Minter optioned to Triple-A, Jackson is now the clear closer in Atlanta. He has handled the role well so far, notching six saves with a 2.31 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 23.1 innings. The Braves could still bring back Craig Kimbrel after the MLB draft, but Jackson needs to be owned for now.

Since moving into Minnesota's rotation in mid-April, Perez has posted a 2.01 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in seven starts. He has notched at least seven strikeouts in all four May turns with help from a dominant new cutter that has ceded a -10 wRC+ and 15.5% swinging-strike rate. This clearly isn't the same pitcher who holds a career 4.52 ERA and 5.69 K/9, so make sure he's rostered in all mixed leagues. Getting to pitch against the feeble AL Central will help sustain his resurgence.

 

Robertson landed on the IL with a sore elbow on April 15. Before getting sidelined, he ceded four runs in 6.1 innings with six walks and strikeouts apiece. It's still an atypical development for the veteran righty, who has logged at least 60 innings and 75 strikeouts in each of the last seven seasons. This may be burying the lede, but the 34-year-old also did not record a single save in the opening two weeks. With the Phillies declaring no closer, there's no need to stash an injured reliever in standard mixed leagues.

Despite posting a 3.07 ERA in five starts, Stripling will move to the bullpen with Rich Hill rejoining the Dodgers' rotation. This known risk deflated the cost of a potential top-25 starter, and he never stood much of a chance at working more than 160 frames. Don't cut bait just yet; it's highly unlikely Hill, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Kenta Maeda will all stay healthy. Stripling could even supplant the struggling Maeda.

The Angels officially stripped Cody Allen of his closing duties. While they have not named his replacement -- Brad Ausmus has instead expressed a willingness to use a committee -- Buttrey is the clear top candidate for saves. A strong contender before they signed Allen has ceded one run in a dozen innings with 16 strikeouts and 1.20 FIP. Grab him if still available.

Ottavino might be stuck behind Chapman, Betances, Britton and Chad Green for the closer job, but he is a force of nature who could strike out 100 batters this season to go with sparkling ratios and a handful of wins. Don't hesitate to add him late in drafts to boost you in three categories.

Well, that didn't last long. Moved back into the rotation, McHugh mustered a 1.96 ERA through four superb starts. Four starts, later, his ERA has inflated to 6.37. He has relinquished eight home runs among his 24 hits allowed in those 18 frames. Those who rode his fast start must either move on or bench him until he turns the corner. It might not be long until the Astros slide him back into the bullpen.

 

 

Miller has looked dreadful in the early stages of 2019. The once untouchable southpaw has surrendered five walks, four walks, and six runs (three homers) in 3.2 frames. His opposing contact rate has skyrocketed, allowing Jordan Hicks to take command of the Cardinals' ninth-inning role. He's droppable in shallow mixed leagues with standard scoring categories.

 

 

 

Arodys Vizcaino will likely miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his pitching elbow. That gave Minter an opportunity to run away with the ninth-inning role. He didn't embrace that chance, yielding 26 baserunners and 12 runs in 11 innings before getting option to Triple-A. Drop him, especially if replacement closer Luke Jackson is still available, in all but the deepest of re-draft leagues.

Betances is merely a closer in waiting, but besides Josh Hader, the best in the game. He is a sure bet for 90+ Ks, with upside ranging to nearly 130. Likewise, his ratios will be terrific each year and you can even rely on a handful of wins and saves too.

Bradley looked like the overwhelming favorite to close in the desert, but then the Diamondbacks signed Greg Holland in January. Manager Torey Lovullo named Holland the closer just prior to Opening Day. Bradley's ERA ballooned to 3.64 last season, but his xFIP and SIERA suggest he was pretty much the same pitcher as he was in 2017. He just stranded fewer baserunners and surrendered more home runs. Although unlikely to be nearly as dominant as he was in 2017, he should be better than Holland and could eventually steal the closer gig from him.

 

 

 

Ignore Lyles at your own risk. After spending the last few years as a subpar reliever, the unlikely breakout star has posted a 1.97 ERA and 26.4% K rate in eight starts. A 3.94 xFIP and 3.99 SIERA suggest this won't last, but he could still regress into a capable mixed-league option. He shouldn't be sitting on any waiver wires after May 17's 12-strikeout gem at San Diego.

May and Parker are seemingly in a batter at the top of Minnesota's depth chart, but Rogers is the type of guy who could find himself in the role at some point, and if it were to happen, he would dominate.

 

 

Britton isn't going to be the closer in New York, nor is he likely the next man up since Dellin Betances is also ahead of him, but Britton is still well worth owning if your league allows you to start four or five relievers. He will help your ratios significantly while adding nearly 80 Ks as usual.

 

It sounds as though Morrow is going to miss the start of the season. That could very well turn into multiple months as we've seen with "minor" pitching injuries many times before. It is a dangerous game to draft based on injury optimism, even if the closer does have considerable upside.

 

 

 

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.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

Steckenrider missed out on the Marlins' closer role, so while he may provide 90 strikeouts, there is no point in owning him if you play in a standard-sized mixed league.

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.