Unleashing the Clutch: Your 2023 Fantasy Baseball Relief Pitcher Rankings
Alright, guys! Let's dive into the world of saves, holds, and strikeouts. It's time to rank the best relief pitchers for your 2023 fantasy baseball league. We've got a jam-packed article here, so buckle up! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy baseball relief pitcher rankings.
Why Relief Pitchers Matter in Fantasy Baseball
Before we get into the rankings, let's talk strategy. Relief pitchers (RPs) can make or break your fantasy team. They're the ones who come in, shut down the opposing team, and rack up those precious saves and holds. Plus, they're usually available later in drafts, giving you more value for your pick.
2023 Fantasy Baseball Relief Pitcher Rankings: The Top 20
The Elite: The Top 5
- 1. Josh Hader (MIL) - Hader is the reigning saves king, with 40 saves in
- 2022. He's a lockdown closer with elite strikeout potential. He's the first name on our list for a reason, guys!
- 2. Edwin Díaz (NYM) - Díaz had an incredible 2022 season, leading the league in saves with
- 36. His 108 strikeouts in 62 innings are just icing on the cake.
3. Liam Hendriks (CHW) - The White Sox closer is one of the most reliable fantasy options out there. He's notched 30+ saves in each of the last three seasons.
4. Aroldis Chapman (NYY) - Chapman is a five-time All-Star and a four-time World Series champion. He's still got that elite closer stuff, with a career 2.17 ERA and 15.4 K/9.
5. Jake McGee (BAL) - McGee was a surprise closer in 2022, saving 22 games for the Orioles. He's not flashy, but he gets the job done.
The Contenders: 6-10
6. Devin Williams (MIL) - If Hader goes down, Williams is next in line for saves in Milwaukee. He's got elite stuff and could be a sneaky pick in drafts.
7. Taylor Rogers (HOU) - Rogers had a solid season in Philly, saving 21 games. He's now in Houston, where he could have even more opportunities.
8. Raisel Iglesias (ATL) - Iglesias had a bounce-back season in 2022, saving 30 games for the Angels. He's now in Atlanta, where he could see even more save opportunities.
9. Kenley Jansen (ATL) - Jansen is a three-time All-Star and a four-time NL saves leader. He's not the dominant closer he once was, but he's still a solid fantasy option.
- 10. Emilio Pagán (DET) - Pagán saved 26 games for the Twins in
- 2022. He's not the sexiest name, but he gets the job done.
The Rest: 11-20
11. Alex Colomé (CWS) - Colomé had a solid season in 2022, saving 23 games for the White Sox. He's a reliable fantasy option.
12. Ryan Pressly (HOU) - Pressly is one of the best setup men in the game. If something happens to Rogers, he could see more save opportunities.
- 13. David Bednar (PIT) - Bednar was one of the best relievers in baseball in
- 2022. He's not a closer, but he's got elite strikeout potential.
- 14. Drew Pomeranz (MIN) - Pomeranz saved 14 games for the Twins in
- 2022. He's not a flashy pick, but he's a solid fantasy option.
- 15. Kyle Finnegan (WSH) - Finnegan saved 17 games for the Nationals in
- 2022. He's not the sexiest name, but he gets the job done.
16. Andrew Chafin (MIL) - Chafin had a solid season in 2022, saving 14 games for the Cubs. He's now in Milwaukee, where he could see more opportunities.
- 17. Scott Barlow (KC) - Barlow was one of the best relievers in baseball in
- 2022. He's not a closer, but he's got elite strikeout potential.
18. Touki Toussaint (ATL) - Toussaint is a closer in waiting. If something happens to Iglesias or Jansen, he could see more save opportunities.
- 19. Joakim Soria (ARI) - Soria saved 16 games for the Diamondbacks in
- 2022. He's not the flashiest name, but he's a solid fantasy option.
- 20. Hansel Robles (BOS) - Robles saved 10 games for the Twins in
- 2022. He's not a flashy pick, but he's a solid fantasy option.
Sleepers and Streamers: Late-Round Targets
Guys, don't sleep on these late-round targets. They could provide great value in 2023.
- Dany Jiménez (TEX) - Jiménez is a former top prospect who could see save opportunities in Texas. - Sergio Romo (MIA) - Romo is a veteran reliever who could see save opportunities in Miami. - Tanner Scott (BAL) - Scott is a hard-throwing reliever who could see more opportunities in 2023.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, guys! Our 2023 fantasy baseball relief pitcher rankings. Remember, the key to a successful fantasy team is balance. Don't just draft closers - load up on strikeouts and holds, too. And always be on the lookout for those late-season waiver wire pickups. They could be the difference between a championship and a fourth-place finish.
So, who are you targeting in your fantasy drafts? Let us know in the comments below! Happy drafting, guys!